Genogram

Genogram is a graphic representation of an individual’s kinship details such as lineage, personality traits, friendships, and behavioral patterns.

Unlike the traditional family tree, a genogram also illustrates the other significant relationships such as nannies, god parents, neighbors, and colleagues. It is usually used in family therapy to help identify maladaptive behavioral patterns. It is also employed in genetic research to specify traits that have been passed on for generations. Medical genograms are used in helping identify patterns of illnesses such as depression, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. “Genogram” was first proposed in 1978 by Dr. Murray Bowen to replace “family diagram” which was perceived as a longer term.