Introduction. The article investigates the problem of interpersonal interaction among adolescents - a generation growing in a rapidly changing world. The purpose of the article is to identify the role structure of adolescents in the context of interpersonal interaction.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using a sample of 139 adolescents (62 boys and 77 girls) aged between 13 and 15 years in grades 7–9 of comprehensive schools in Novosibirsk. The study uses a projective method and questionnaires in order to gain insights into manifestation of roles within interpersonal interaction among adolescents, role conflict and characteristics of interactions and relationships of adolescents in the group.
Results. The authors report data on statistically significant differences in the manifestation of role-playing positions and role conflict depending on sex, friends and orientation of adolescents p < 0.05 (t-Student's test), as well as the significant positive and negative correlations between role images and the evaluation of interpersonal interactions in the group p < 0.05 test (r-S pearman test). It is argued that adolescents who have an unstable worldview are prone to negative influences, especially those who experience interpersonal difficulties. It is proposed to consider interpersonal interaction within the framework of symbolic interactionism, which suggests that the basis of interpersonal interaction is the role behavior of the subject. The thesis about cultural fixation of basic roles participating in interpersonal interaction is covered. It is substantiated that the study of adolescence in the context of the role-based approach makes it possible to bring the understanding of the problem of interpersonal interaction to a new level.
Conclusions. Based on the results obtained, a conclusion is drawn about the peculiarities of the role structure of adolescents in interpersonal interaction.