PerCo
Dev 12 Name___________________________________ Score ____________ Prefinals
MODULE
MODULE
5
2 Genogram
The genogram is like a family tree, a framework which represents a family over at least three generations (children, parents
and grandparents). We use standardized symbols to represent different things such as male and female symbols.
Through this framework, we can obtain the following information:
The structure of the family and its history (number of children, marriages, remarriages, divorces, dates of births and deaths,
relocations, loss of employment, miscarriages, abortions, loss of work, alcoholism …)
Relationships between family members (close relationships, strong connections, conflicts, violence…).
The genogram enables us:
To discover the world of the family.
To better understand the family’s beliefs and values.
To understand the family more quickly, and clarify their family history. Often, the genogram allows the family to give a
sense of its history and to better understand interactions within the family.
To ask questions we may not have been able to without this tool. For example: The structure of the family, the family
history, and the relationships that link family members.
The family is given a chance to discuss matters that are often difficult or personal. When this is the case, we should listen
and not be afraid to go further: if the family reveals a difficult situation, this means they are ready to be listened to. If we
show discomfort or we avoid taking the subject further, this shows the person that they should not talk, that it’s taboo. It can
also reinforce beliefs that the subject is shameful.
FT1. Interpret the given genogram in each number.
Husband, His Current Wife and his Ex-Wives
(who are shown lower and smaller). Husband’s
wives may go on left to be closest to him.
Indicators “1st,” “2nd” etc. make clear the order
of his marriages.
1
Wife, Her Current Husband and her Ex-Husbands (who
are shown lower and smaller). Wife’s previous
relationships are shown on left to keep children in
birth order, since they remained in her custody.
.
Couple with 3 year old, showing their previous spouses
(smaller) and those spouses’ new partners (even smaller)
2
Couple living with their joint child and her child from
a previous relationship. The other spouses of the
partners are shown smaller and lower on either side
of the present household, indicated by a dotted line
4
FT3. List down below the pieces of information
you can acquire from studying a genogram.
FT2. Illustrate the symbols of genogram
according to the instructions:
1. Symbols denoting getting back together
after divorce
2. Foster child
3. Birthdate
4. Immigration
5. Family secret
6. Language problem
7. Miscarriage
8. Couple relationship
9. Twins
10. Obesity
