Examined the effects of overt self-instructions with different contents in a resistance-to-temptation situation. 275 3-7 yr. olds were asked to verbalize self-instructions aloud during a waiting period after admonishment not to respond to attractive toys. 5 groups differed in the suggested self-instructions: Group 1, verbalization of positive consequences for nontransgression; Group 2, verbalization of positive consequences for transgression; Group 3, instructions not to transgress; Group 4, task-irrelevant verbalization; and Group 5, no verbalization. Ss in Groups 1, 2, and 3 showed significantly longer tolerance (better self-control) than Ss in Groups 4 and 5. In Groups 1, 2, and 3 verbalizers showed significantly better self-control than nonverbalizers. Age, sex differences, and the denial of transgression were also examined. (19 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)