Although there is general agreement on the basic genogram structure and codes, there are some variations on how to depict certain family situations, such as cutoffs, adoptions,
etc. (Bowen, 1980; Kramer, 1985; McGoldrick, Gerson, & Shellenberger, 1999). The following are the codes that we will use in this site:
Closeness of Relationship:
You can also depict the type of relationship of two family members with lines connecting those persons. For example, two people with a normal relationship
would have one line drawn between them. Those with a close relationship would have two lines between them. Those with a fused (extremely close) relationship
would have three lines drawn between them.
| Example 1 of Relational Ties in a Genogram: |
 |
Depictions of other types of relationships can also be shown. A dotted line between two people indicates a distant relationship (though this is different than the dotted line showing a
romantic liaison or the dotted line showing a foster or adopted child). A jagged line shows a hostile relationship. A jagged line with two straight lines show a close, hostile relationship,
and a jagged line with three straight lines shows a fused, hostile relationship.
| Example 2 of Relational Ties in a Genogram: |
 |
Dysfunctional Relationships:
You can depict some additional, dysfunctional relationships with genograms, also. Sexual abuse is shown by a large jagged line with an arrow from the abuser to the abused.
Physical abuse is shown by a small jagged line and an arrow from the abuser to the abused.
| Example of Abusive Relationships in a Genogram: |
 |
A relationship where one member is focused unhealthily on another member is depicted by a straight line with an arrow from the focused member to the member being focused upon.
A relationship that is cutoff, where the family members do not have contact, is shown with two short perpendicular lines that break up the relationship line.
| Example of Abusive Relationships in a Genogram: |
 |
Triangles:
Another pattern in family relationships is the triangle. In a family system, a triangle represents the coalition of two family members against another family member
(McGoldrick, Gerson, & Shellenberger, 1999) and can be represented on a genogram. Triangles are often seen among two parents and one child, where one of the parents creates
an alliance with the child against the other parent. Another classic triangle involves a son, his wife, and his mother. Such a triangle may play out in a variety of ways. FOr
example, the wife may blame her mother-in-law for her frustrations with her husband, while the mother-in-law blames the wife for taking her son away (McGoldrick et. al., 1999).
| Example of Triangle Relationships in a Genogram: |
 |
