Genograms

This assignment will help you gain a better understanding of your family dynamics by completing a genogram. A genogram is like a road map to your family history. This assignment will be a two-step process.

First you will complete research on family genograms. https://genopro.com/articles/ is a helpful website that you can use for assistance with this assignment. (Hint – there are several articles on that page that will help you with this section and the next one.)

Another resource that you can use for creating a genogram is How to Make a Genogram Online | EdrawMax Online.

The history of genograms
How genograms are used
How genograms are completed
What are the benefits and/or challenges of developing a genogram
Any other information you’d like to share from your research
For the second part of this assignment you will “map out” your immediate family. You may need to contact extended family members for help. If that’s not possible, no problem, do the best you can with the information you have. You’ll start with you and your significant other as well as your children. Then, if possible, please go back two generations. Remember, a genogram is more than a family tree. You need to identify relationships and their status (strong, weak, abusive, etc.), behavioral patterns (teen pregnancy, divorce, substance abuse, etc.), health issues and/or any other issues that you know of or become aware of during your research.

Please complete your genogram using genopro.com, as a Word doc using whatever shapes, symbols, colors, etc. you want, or you can draw your genogram by hand, scan it, and upload it as an attachment. PLEASE keep in mind that this is not an art class – I’m not looking for a masterpiece. The purpose of this assignment is for you to see what patterns emerge within your family. After you’ve completed your genogram

What did you learn about your family history? (Please share as much as you are comfortable with. This assignment is very personal and your instructor is the only person who will read it.)
What was the experience of collecting information like for you?
Are there any patterns that emerged that surprised you? (For example communication, addiction, teen pregnancy, mental healthy issues, etc.) Why or why not?
How could a genogram help a couple strengthen their relationship?
How could parents use a genogram to educate their children?
Conclude by summarizing what you learned from this assignment and how you can apply it to your family.