Intergenerationology: The Scientific Study of Circular Movement Between Generations.

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Behavioral Sciences
• Health Sciences

Background:

• Existing research on generational dynamics spans multiple disciplines.
• Diverse academic fields have studied generations from complementary perspectives.
• A lack of a unified term hinders communication and collaboration in intergenerational studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and define the term "intergenerationology."
• To establish a unified framework for intergenerational research and practice.
• To facilitate interdisciplinary communication and collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of intergenerational research across social, behavioral, and health sciences.
• Historical contextualization of intergenerational concepts.
• Analysis of disciplinary interactions regarding generational studies.

Main Results:

• A new, unified term "intergenerationology" is proposed.
• The term encompasses diverse research and practice models of generational connections.
• Historical context and interdisciplinary interactions are detailed.

Conclusions:

• The term "intergenerationology" will accelerate and unify intergenerational studies.
• It encourages broader research participation from various scientific disciplines.
• It provides a recognized identity for researchers and practitioners in the field.