A genogram is a graphic representation of a person’s medical history and family relationships. A genogram extends beyond a family tree providing a clear visualization of the hereditary patterns in a family. It is used in family therapy for either identification of the hereditary traits or some repetitive behaviour patterns. In family therapy, genograms are employed in recording and studying particular patterns in an individual and their relationship with family members. A genogram is essential to every family therapist since it helps in making a significant evaluation report about the versatile relationship patterns that affect the family negatively, such as inherited diseases. Through a genogram, a family therapist can provide the necessary intervention for the reduction or elimination of the dysfunction that made an individual or a family seek therapy. There are two kinds of genograms used by family therapists: a traditional genogram and a cultural genogram.
A clear difference exists between traditional and cultural genogram. Traditional genograms focus on three main areas: the nuclear family information, parents’ information, and the additional information, which is usually optional. Nuclear family information is usually the first bit of the information required in the construction of a traditional genogram. In nuclear family information, a variety of data is collected to come up with a traditional genogram; for example, the information of individuals living in the household. These would include the names of the individuals, gender, education, and occupation. Nuclear family information of a traditional genogram will also tend to elucidate a variety of information that relates to the family, such as the place of residence of other family members, various recent health-related problems that have affected family members, such as illnesses, pregnancies, hospitalization, deaths, and so on. In addition, information about psychiatric problems such as phobias, anxieties, and depression as well as alcohol and drug addiction is also included. Other information noted here includes changes or problems facing the family at work or school and legal matters. For example, changes at work would include unemployment and job changes. A change in the school environment may cause problems. Legal problems include lost professional licences and arrests. Additional information in this category would include marriages, divorces, and natural disasters.
The second area of the traditional genogram focuses on parents’ family information. This includes the number of siblings, the level of education, occupation, place in the order of birth, parents’ marriages, and changes such as separations, divorces and remarriages. It also gives a spotlight on causes of any deaths in a family as well as the primary caretakers in the absence of parents in a family. The final area that is optional in the traditional genogram focuses on the parent’s parent names, health, dates of birth as well as death and causes of death. It also includes siblings’ names, health status and so forth as well as the family health experts.
Unlike traditional genogram, cultural genogram focuses on various ethnic and cultural values affecting the family, such as ethnic values, health beliefs, and behaviours. Information on cultural variables include the country of origin, ethnic identity, religion and dedication to their religion, the extent of assimilation of the people listed as well as their dominance and assimilation patterns. It also highlights the approaches made by family members when confronted by a health problem. Another great area addressed by the cultural genogram is the part of health beliefs and behaviours. An example includes family’s definition of health status. Culturally, health can be viewed from various perspectives, such as the lack of symptoms, the ability to work, and spiritual grace. Other issues addressed include the explanatory model of the disease. Explanatory model of the disease addresses how parents view a particular cause such as God’s punishment, eating poorly, natural causes, neglect or dressing poorly. The model also tries to investigate if the views of parents are similar to those of grandparents concerning certain illnesses in the family. Moreover, the cultural genogram also tries to find out how parents view and treat common illnesses such as common colds and stomachache. This may entail common home remedies and consultation with alternative or cultural healers such as herbalists and minister healers. Fundamentally, the difference between the two genograms lies in the questions used in constructing them. The essay was written by the professional writer from plagiarism search - Milly Jones.
