This study investigated the effect of labeling a girl as "patient" on the girl's subsequent self-imposed delay of gratification. Subjects were 78 girls from 5 1/2 to 9 years of age. In a delay task, each child's possession of accumulating candy rewards was made contingent upon her stopping further accumulation. Labeled girls waited longer than did girls not given the task-relevant label. Further, for younger girls, those who took the test with a labeling adult present waited longer than those who took the test with a different adult present or those who took the test while alone. For older girls, those tested with a labeler present or with another adult present waited longer than did girls tested while alone. The results are interpreted in terms of modifications in the child's self-perceptions as a consequence of being labeled by an adult. (Author/RH)