A genogram is structurally like a family tree but serves a different purpose. Imagine a genogram as a family tree with much more detail about how the family members interact with one another. For example, a family tree might show us that “Emily and Kevin are married,” while a genogram could tell us that “Jon and Jenny are married, but they are emotionally distant from one another.” A genogram becomes most valuable when it includes information about several generations. Patterns that are usually hard to decipher seem to jump out once they’ve been mapped on paper.
For this assignment, construct a three-generation genogram of your family to assess your family system and family culture. Your genogram is expected to be correct & professionally completed. Identify the patterns and significant themes in your family of origin using your knowledge of the family models discussed in class. Discuss how these patterns could influence or influence you as an individual, parent, and partner. In what way do you think your cultural background influences your work with families? Examine how your culture and family patterns may be a barrier or strength in working with families. Your genogram and discussion should be 2-3 pages (double-spaced).
Directions
Develop a genogram illustration that addresses the following criteria:
- Choose a family (for this assignment, this can be your own family)
- Draw three generations of genealogy, legal family, pets, and others who have played an integral role in the family, if applicable.
- Use only standardized genogram symbols.
- Show structure of family members: siblings, aunts/uncles, grandparents, remarriages, blended families (step-members and half-siblings), divorces, pets, close family friends, and god families.
- List dates of birth/death, dates of marriage, and divorce. Include race, ethnicity, culture, place of birth, residency, cause of death, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
- Identify family characteristics, i.e., family structure, type of marriage/parental union, length of the relationship, type of family, and authority pattern (who has the power).
- Identify emotional patterns, i.e., close, conflicted, cutoff, distant, unknown, passive-aggressive (or fused & conflicted).
- Identify family or generational values and issues and patterns: Occupation, education, hobbies, military duty, work ethic, family business, religion, addiction/recovery, incarceration, homicide, suicide, reunions, parenting style, mental illness, emigration from the country of birth, marriage within or outside the culture, sexuality, cancer, longevity, foster care, adoption, and child abuse. Every generation manifests its values and issues differently.
- Identify social patterns, i.e., neighborhoods, communities, places of worship, work and education, and social clubs.
