What is a genogram?
A genogram is a visual representation of a family tree that provides important details about the relationships between family members over at least three generations.
What is it used for?
Genograms are used in various fields to help people understand their family dynamics and identify areas for improvement. Below are some uses in various fields.
1. Medical:
Family History for identification of hereditary conditions: by tracking medical histories across generations and identifying the possible cause of death of deceased family members one can arrive at patterns pointing to hereditary conditions.
Genetic Predisposition to Disease: important genetic information and determination of the risk of genetic disease can be gotten from a genogram.
2. Social Works:
Understanding family dynamics: the interactions between family members in the family bring about different family dynamics across families and this can serve as the basis for diverse experiences like violence and abuse.
Identify patterns of behaviour: looking at the immediate family one might not draw out family behavioural patterns but with a genogram capturing down to the 3rd, and 4th generations a lot more could be obtained.
Identify needs: different family members have various needs at each point of the family life cycle and with a genogram these needs could be identified.
3. Counselling:
Bringing the information from the medical team, the family can be counselled accordingly, e.g. Lifestyle changes, occupational adjustments, and others ensuring health promotion. The same goes for the information from the social work team. Identifying the needs of various family members can bring about better partnership, growth and resolution of family crises like violence.
Components of a genogram
Genograms are created with shapes representing various members of the family and different lines showing the type of connection a member has with another. Other components of a genogram are as seen below:
Name
Date of Birth
Year of Marriage
Year of Divorce (Separation)
Date of Death
Other Significant life events
In conclusion, a genogram is an important tool in understanding family dynamics and drawing vital information from the family with the aim of promoting a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being of one member to another and the family as a whole.
Written by Ayebamiebi Yousuo from MEDILOQUY