Updating “A nationally representative dataset of 1549 Americans aged 18 to 94 on interest in, experience with, and barriers to cogeneration, defined as working with older and younger people for social good” with data on religious identity and service attendance

Data Brief. 2026 Jun 11;67:112961. doi: 10.1016/j.dib.2026.112961. eCollection 2026 Aug.

ABSTRACT

This update article presents an expanded version of a nationally representative dataset focused on “cogeneration,” or younger and older people working together for the greater good. While the initial data release detailed interest in and barriers to intergenerational work, this updated version incorporates five previously unreleased variables concerning religious identity (e.g., Protestant, Catholic, agnostic, atheist) and the extent of attendance at religious services. Data for the new religion-focused variables were collected at the same time as the sociodemographic variables previously published as part of this dataset, although the authors did not originally have access to them due to prior data access agreements. This dataset includes respondent answers from a March 2022 survey of 1549 people, aged 18 to 94, who resided in the U.S. and who were a part of the NORC at the University of Chicago AmeriSpeak® Panel. The survey methodology utilized a probability-based sample of the U.S. household population, collecting responses through both online and telephone interviews to ensure broad representation. The core of the dataset remains focused on respondents’ experiences with paid or volunteer work involving individuals at least 25 years older or younger than themselves. It assesses interest in cogenerational efforts, perceived obstacles, and social priorities such as the environment, education, and mental health. The data also explores whether intergenerational cooperation can mitigate societal divisions and examines the nature of respondents’ interactions with different age groups outside of their own families. The updated dataset now comprises 188 variables, including 10 string/text variables derived from open-ended responses. The data are available both in Stata (.dta) and CSV formats, supported by two updated codebooks and a NORC methodological report detailing weighting and other information. These new variables offer a unique opportunity for researchers, policymakers, and religious leaders to better understand the intersection of faith and cogenerational social action, informing future program and policy developments.

PMID:42339376 | PMC:PMC13285677 | DOI:10.1016/j.dib.2026.112961