While all of this sounds pretty easy, it can become a little complicated when there are divorces and remarriages within the family. There are also lines to indicate harassment, hostility, being cut off, distant, close, caretaker, and so on. Any children from this union are placed below the family line, in order of oldest first, then youngest, left to right. For example, a family between the circle and square is shown by using a horizontal line that connects the two. Color coded lines are used to denote the type of family and emotional relationships between individuals. Lines are utilized in genograms to show the type of relationship which exists between symbols. In other words, your great, great grandparents would be at the top, while your present day generation would be at the bottom. The elder child is placed at the left, and then the next born is placed at the right of the first born, etc.Īlso, if you are creating a chronological family history genogram, it is customary to place the oldest generation at the top, and work your way down to the present day.

This order of spouse placement means that the first partner must always be closer, then comes the second partner and so on. So this would mean the square was at the left end, and the circle symbol at the right. For instance, fathers are placed at the left of the family, and mothers are placed at the right. While a genogram caters to the needs of the author, there are some basic rules for placement of symbols. An ‘X’ through a triangle means a miscarriage or abortion. X: An ‘X’ through a circle or square signifies the individual is deceased.Triangle: Triangle symbolizes pregnancy.

Circle: Females are shown on the map as a circle.

Square: Males in the family will be denoted by using a square symbol.

We have listed some of the common, basic genogram symbols below: This is why the genogram employs only the most basic, recognizable symbols. As family history/medical history can become complex with regards to marriages, live-ins, divorces, separations, births, deaths, adoptions, the aim is to keep the map simple. However, for our discussion, we will choose family genealogy as an example of understanding the basics of a genogram. How Symbols Are Used In GenogramsĪs can be seen, genograms can be used for everything from mapping an individuals medical history, to tracing the bloodline of a thoroughbred race horse. Indeed, if you are in need of mapping something out in a simple, easy to read manner, then the genogram could probably work for you. There are no hard and fast rules for the purpose of a genogram. While the majority of individuals utilize the genogram to map out their family history, it has many more uses such as: The genogram was created by Murray Bowen in the 1970’s and made popular in 1985 in a book written by Monica McGoldrick and Randy Gerson called “Genograms: Assessment and Intervention”. By just one simple glance, you will be able to grasp the interrelationships between elements, quickly, easily and efficiently. No matter what purpose you use a genogram, the end result should be the same. Remember, that is the point of the genogram, to take something extremely complex, and break it down into easy to understand elements.

Genograms will list several symbols on their legend. For example, maps have legends, and so do genograms. Genograms have basic features which are similar to a map. In a nutshell, genograms are diagrams, or maps of your family history and medical history, and just like a road map, they utilize special symbols in order to help you visualize relationships. A professionally trained genealogist will not use a genogram. However, it is important to note, that genograms are a tool for laymen to chart their family history. Genograms are designed to take the complexity out of mapping your family history.

Legend for genogram