Since then, genograms have now been used by various groups of people in a diversity of fields; many practitioners in healthcare and mental health have come to use genograms, specifically for services that are interested in contextually understanding human behavior patterns. Various individuals and groups in different fields have worked together to develop a standardized genogram. In psychiatry, Bowen and Bradt, as well as Philip Guerin, Brian Stagoll, and Karl Tomm have been credited. In psychology, Gerson and Petry, as well as Michael Rohrbaugh and Eliana Gil have been credited. In social work, Carter and McGoldrick, as well as Ann Hartman and Elaine Pinderhughes have been credited. In family medicine, Jack Medalie, Jack Froom, John Rodgers, and Michael Crouch have been credited.
A genogram is created with simple symbols representing gender and various lines to illustrate family relationships. Genogram symbols typically include date of birth and date of death over three or more generations, with the name of the individual underneath each one; current age and/or age at death are indicated within the symbol for each person.
A genogram can contain a wealth of information on the families represented. It shows not merely the individuals within a family lineage but also detailed information about them and between them. For example, in a genogram involving a father named Paul and a wife named Lily with three children, the diagram can depict relationships such as their eldest child going to boarding school, their middle child having conflict with her mother, and their youngest having a health condition like juvenile diabetes. It can also show descriptions like Paul's mental health records or Lily's employment history.
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