Psychology says people who arrive unusually early for doctor’s appointments may be managing uncertainty rather than simply valuing punctuality

Arriving early for an appointment is generally considered a good habit. But there is a difference between arriving 10 minutes before a scheduled time and sitting in the waiting room 30 or 45 minutes early because being anywhere else feels uncomfortable. For some people, early arrival may be less about punctuality and more about reducing uncertainty, creating a sense of control and preventing an unwanted outcome. Psychology cannot determine someone's personality from one scheduling habit, and arriving early can have perfectly practical explanations. However, research into intolerance of uncertainty, proactive coping, perceived control and the need for cognitive closure offers an interesting explanation for why some people feel significantly more comfortable when they have a large time buffer.

Psychology Says Uncertainty Can Make Waiting More Difficult