Walter Mischel has research interests in personality structure, process, and development, and in self-regulation (aka willpower).

His professional honors and awards include the following: National Academy of Sciences (elected 2004); Merit Award, National Institute of Mental Health, 1989 up to 2009 (awarded twice, sequentially); Jack Block Award for Distinguished Contributions to Personality Psychology (2005); Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Experimental Social Psychologists (2000); Fellow of the Society of Experimental Psychologists (elected 1999); Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, Ohio State University (1997); Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (elected 1991); Distinguished Scientific Contribution Award, American Psychological Association, 1982; and the Distinguished Scientist Award, APA Division of Clinical Psychology, 1978.

Professor Mischel has served as President of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, President of the Association for Research in Personality, and Editor of Psychological Review. Since 1994, he has been the Niven Professor of Humane Letters at Columbia University.