PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IN THE FORMATION OF COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN ADOLESCENCE: THE ROLE OF COPING STRATEGIES IN SOCIAL, AGE, ORGANIZATIONAL AND SEXUAL CONTEXTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the topical issue of developing effective communication skills in youth, which is a critical period in the formation of personality. The authors conducted a theoretical analysis of age-related and social factors influencing youth communication. The main challenges of this stage are outlined, in particular the identity crisis, which largely determines the patterns of interpersonal interaction. It is shown that communication in youth transforms from a simple exchange of information into a key mechanism of self-expression and the construction of social connections. During this period, communication acquires a personal character and becomes a means of fulfilling internal needs. Special attention is paid to the influence of modern technologies and social media, which can cause negative phenomena such as phubbing (shifting attention from real communication to gadgets), which complicates the establishment and maintenance of deep emotional connections. This leads to decreased trust in relationships, reduced emotional support, and increased conflict. The article notes that online communication fosters the formation of superficial social contacts that do not always provide adolescents with the experience of deep and sincere interaction. Based on empirical research, a correlation was confirmed between the choice of coping strategies and the level of communicative control. It was found that adolescents who use problem-focused strategies demonstrate higher communicative effectiveness and adaptability, in contrast to those who choose emotion-focused or avoidance strategies, which are characterized by instability, difficulties in social adaptation, and lower communication efficiency. This correlation emphasizes the importance of developing conscious stress management skills as a foundation for building a mature system of communicative behavior.Overall, the results indicate the need to consider both age-related and social factors in the process of developing communication skills among young people to ensure their successful adaptation and socialization.