Chapter 4: Graphing Family Processes

socio-generational principle

close family members of the previous generation (mother, father, grandparents, etc.l) significantly influence how children approach their social world and develop ideological orientation, understand and respond to emotions, develop and use intellect, and learn to navigate interpersonal relationships

parentified child (parentification)

the transformation of a child into a parent - the overburden, the loss of trust as the parent turn to the child - the special bond of commitment is destroyed

pedigree chart

diagram that visualizes how a specific trait or disorder is passed down through generations

genogram

introduced by Murray Bowen (psychiatrist), and developed by scholars McGoldrick and Randy Gerson, not a pedigree chart or a family tree, index person, includes family chronology, goes back 2-4 generations (ever changing), description of family relationships and family processes 

uses

describing family relationships, and describing family processes

importance

they can help us better understand the desirable and the undesirable influences

that earlier generations have had on us which can help us enjoy and appreciate the desirable

effects, and sometimes find ways to minimize and change some of the undesirable effects,

we can also use genograms as family scientists to help others better understand their lives,

their families, and the options they have to grow and improve their lives

figure 4.1

simple three generation genogram of the Sandra jones family 

relationship symbols figure 4.4

genogram symbols 

male

depicted as a box

female

depicted as a circle

death symbols 

X inside of a box or circle

index person

based on fact and perception 

generational transmission principle

families tend to transmit their style of life to each new generation, quality of marriage - conflict (child of divorce)