Genogram - Guide - Key symbols and family relationship layout

Oct 1, 2026

A genogram (family tree) provides a clear view of family relationships across at least three generations, highlighting key members and the dynamics that shape family life. The guide explains how to structure the diagram, including gender placement, generation rows, and how couples, children, and households are connected. It also details common symbols for sexual orientation, gender identity, twins, pregnancy, death, adoption and foster links, plus relationship quality and emotional or health indicators such as learning, physical, mental health, abuse, and risk markers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages14

Reading Time35 min

AccessFree to download

Genogram overview

Purpose and when it helps social workers

Core information to include

Layout rules

Gender placement and generations

How to connect families and children

Family composition and examples

Great grandparents through children

Half-siblings and stepchildren

Symbols used in genograms

Gender identity and sexual orientation

Pregnancy, death, twins and related markers

Biological, adopted and foster relationships

Pets and household groupings

Family relationships (marriage and separation)

Marriage, divorce and legal separation

Unmarried/co-habiting and civil relationships

Emotional and health relationship indicators

Emotional relationship lines

Health and risk codes

Genogram Explanation A genogram (or family tree) helps to provide a readily accessible picture of current family relationships over at least three generations. It provides information about key family members and shows how the child(ren) sit within the complex dynamics of their families. It can help social workers:- • know who is in the family. • explore family dynamics and relationships, i.e. violence and abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) . • show any individual’s medical/health problem (i.e. depression, mental health) and learning disabilities. Genograms are set out like a family tree to show people the family you are working with are connected to. Only family members should be displayed on a genogram NOT friends as these should be on an ecomap. Genogram need to show name, date of birth (not ages), year of marriage, year of divorce (or separation) and date of death (although you may not receive this information from family members) and any other significant life events. For the layout of the genogram, the male is always at the left of the family and the female is always at the right of the family. A family is shown by a horizontal line connecting the two. The children are placed below the family line showing the oldest to the youngest (left to right) . Each generation is on a separate line with the youngest generation at the bottom. See examples. • Great grandparents • Grandparents • Parents (and parents’ siblings) • Child/children Example of a family showing half-siblings and stepchildren: Example of Couples: Heterosexual couple Lesbian couple Gay couple Transgender couple(s) Symbols used in genograms | Symbol | Explanation | | --- | --- | | | The square box is used in a genogram to show the person is a heterosexual male. | | | The circle is used in a genogram to show the person is a heterosexual female. | | | This symbol is used in a genogram to show nonbinary. You can find this symbol by clicking in Shapes > under “Flowchart – Delay” (looks like a D) . You will need to change the direction of the shape. | |
UBBEDD 12.12.22 | A triangle is used in a genogram to show an unborn baby (if possible, show EDD) . | | | A square box with a circle is used in a genogram to show that the person is a transgender – female to male. | | | A circle with a square box is used in a genogram to show that the person is a transgender – male to female. | | | A circle with an upside down triangle is used in agenogram to show a lesbian female. | | | A square box with an upside down triangle is used in a genogram to show a gay male. | |

| This is used to show non-identical twins. | |

| | This is used to show identical twins. | | --- | --- | --- | |

| | This is used to show triplets. | | | | This symbol is used to show a deceased person. | |
| | This symbol is used to show an abortion. | | | | This symbol is used to show a miscarried baby. | | | | These symbols are used to show a baby that was stillborn. | |
Biological Adopted Foster
child child child | | A solid line is used to show that the child is the parents biological child.
A line and a dashed line is used to show the child has been adopted.
A dashed line is used to show the child is a foster child. | | | | A diamond is used in a genogram to show the pets within a family home.
You can also add the name of the pet (s) . | | | | The line drawn around a group of people in agenogram is used to show who are living in the same household-this can also include half sibling(s) . | | Family relationships (marriage) m.10.03.2016 or 03.2016 | A solid line connecting the couple shows that the couple are married and the date this took place. This can also show month and year of marriage. | | --- | --- | | | This shows that the couple have separated (and have started legal procedure for divorce) | | | This shows that the couple are separated and are no longer living together. | | m.2016 d.2021
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FAQs

What is the purpose of a genogram in family assessment?

A genogram presents current family relationships across at least three generations and helps professionals understand family dynamics, including relationship patterns and key risk or health factors.

What information must be included on a genogram?

Include the person’s name, date of birth (not age), year of marriage, year of divorce or separation, date of death when available, and other significant life events.

How are family members arranged in a genogram diagram?

The male is placed on the left and the female on the right. Couples are connected by a horizontal line, and children are placed below by generation from oldest to youngest (left to right).

What do the genogram connection lines and symbols indicate?

Solid, dashed and double lines represent different relationship qualities and statuses, while shapes and codes indicate sex/gender context, twins, unborn babies, and health or emotional indicators such as learning disability, mental health, depression, and abuse.

Oct 1, 2026

Uploaded by Sophia Brooks