Intergenerational Cohesion

Abstract

This article compares the information provided by linear correlational techniques with that provided by hierarchical clustering models. These techniques are applied to a sample of 254 older parent-adult child dyads, with analysis focusing on the nature of the intergenerational relationship. Linear correlation results indicate a substantial degree of relationship among the intergenerational measures. Hierarchical clustering reveals, however, that less than half of the sample is accurately represented by the linear model. This suggests that a better explanation of the inter-generational relationship may be obtained by examining the pattern of scores across the different measures of cohesion.