Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2026

Studying Age-dependent Genomic Instability using the S. cerevisiae Chronological Lifespan Model
Published on: September 29, 2011
Transmission of Religiosity Across Generations: Historical, Cohort, and Relational Dynamics
Merril Silverstein1, Woosang Hwang2, Joonsik Yoon1
1Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Abstract:
This investigation examined how intergenerational transmission of subjective religious intensity varies across historical periods, birth cohorts, and depends on emotional closeness and type of relationship between parents and children. Principles from the life course perspective specified how these various social factors moderate the strength of religious transmission. Data derived from 8,341 dyads of parents and children from four generations participating in the Longitudinal Study of Generations between 1971 - 2016. Multilevel ordered logit regression indicated that parental transmission of religious intensity was weaker to baby-boom children compared to children in the previous cohort. Parental transmission was also stronger to children in biological/adoptive relationships compared to step-relationships, and in relationships that were emotionally closer compared to less emotionally close. Demonstrating how intergenerational religious transmission is patterned by temporal and relational qualities sets the stage for future research on the reproduction of religiosity during a period of rapid religious and family change.
Related Concept Videos
Close Relationships and Culture
Cross-Sectional Research
Relationship Formation
Longitudinal Research
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Impact of Social Context on Individuals