Emotional intelligence (EI) is here analyzed as a construct referring to the individual differ- ences in perceiving, regulating, managing, and exploiting emotions, assuming in particular a trait approach to the exploration of the phe- nomenon. Speci!cally, the role of trait EI in the de!nition of the possible in space and in time is addressed, analyzing how individual differences in the management and use of emo- tions can explain the emerging of different pasts, different futures, as well as different possible worlds. Moreover, the role of trait EI in the expression of the individual potential is explored, taking as example two research topics (i.e., prosocial behavior and creative performance) to understand how emotional intelligence can help in understanding the emerging of possible selves. Finally, future possible research scenarios are offered to explore the use of trait EI as a study variable in the investigation of the possible.
