Abstract

Emotional intelligence and personality traits are key dimensions of individual differences contributing to developmental adjustment. This cross-sectional study investigated how trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), conceptualized as self-perceived dispositions closely embedded within personality hierarchies rather than a cognitive ability, is configured alongside the Big Five traits to influence socio-emotional functioning among preadolescents. Using a convenience sampling strategy, data were collected from 194 Greek preadolescents (aged 10–12) who completed self-report measures of trait EI, personality, and psychosocial adjustment via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) identified three distinct individual configurations: Emotionally Resourceful (54.6%), Emotionally Vulnerable (14.9%), and Emotionally Resilient (30.4%). Distal outcome testing via the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars (BCH) three-step approach revealed that the Emotionally Resilient profile exhibited the most favorable adjustment (higher prosocial behavior, lower emotional/behavioral difficulties), whereas the Emotionally Vulnerable group displayed the highest psychosocial risks. While the reliance on cross-sectional self-reports requires cautious interpretation regarding causality, the findings underscore that preadolescent adjustment is better understood through integrated dispositional configurations rather than isolated traits, clarifying the role of trait EI within the broader personality space.

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