Morningness as a Personality Predictor of Punctuality

Abstract

Punctuality depends on situational factors but seems also a personality trait. Here, we assessed arrival time at a university course (behavioural measure) and punctuality with a self-report measure in relation to morningness-eveningness. We observed arrivals of students in their courses during the first lessons (starting at 8:15). 267 students (43 men, 222 women, 2 not specified) with a mean age of 22.76 ± 3.89 years participated in this study and filled the Composite Scale of Morningness, a self-report for punctuality at University courses, and a short version of the Big Five. Self-reported punctuality score was inversely correlated with arrival time. Morning oriented and conscientious students scored higher on punctuality. Concerning actual arrival time, only CSM scores tended to be related with arrival time. Based on the questionnaire, the only significant predictor was CSM score with 12 % of variance explained. Based on arrival time, CSM scores remained as a predictor but with lower explained variance (1.6 %) while means of transport and weekday emerged as predictors. Students arriving on foot or by bike arrived significantly later. These findings suggest that morningness might be an important predictor of lateness in addition to situational factors.