Genogram Examples
Learn genogram concepts through famous families, fictional characters, and clinical case studies. See how genograms reveal patterns you never noticed.
Why Learn from Famous Families?
Famous and fictional families make excellent genogram examples because you already know their stories. This lets you focus on learning the symbols and patterns rather than memorizing new family information. You'll see familiar relationships in a completely new light.
Genogram Examples by Category
British Royal Family
Complex marriages, divorces, and succession
The British Royal Family offers one of the most documented multi-generational family structures in the world. A royal genogram demonstrates:
What This Example Shows
- Multiple marriages and divorces (Charles, Diana, Camilla)
- Blended family dynamics
- Generational patterns (duty vs. personal happiness)
- Public cutoffs (Harry and Meghan)
- Loss and its impact (Diana's death affecting William and Harry)
Key Genogram Elements
- • Marriage line with divorce slash (Charles-Diana)
- • Second marriage notation (Charles-Camilla)
- • Deceased symbol (Diana, Queen Elizabeth II)
- • Cutoff relationship lines (recent family tensions)
- • Children from different marriages
Star Wars: Skywalker Family
Multigenerational patterns and redemption arcs
The Skywalker saga spanning nine films is essentially a family drama. A Skywalker genogram illustrates how trauma and patterns transmit across generations—and how they can be broken.
What This Example Shows
- Fatherless patterns (Anakin, Luke, Ben)
- Hidden parentage and family secrets
- Mentor relationships (Obi-Wan, Yoda)
- Twin dynamics (Luke and Leia)
- Intergenerational trauma and redemption
Key Genogram Elements
- • Unknown father symbol (Anakin's father)
- • Twin notation (Luke and Leia)
- • Adoption indicators
- • Conflictual relationships (Vader-Luke)
- • Cutoff then reconciled (Luke-Vader)
The Simpsons Family
Classic nuclear family with extended relationships
Despite being animated, The Simpsons presents a relatable American family structure perfect for teaching basic genogram concepts. It's simple enough for beginners while showing authentic family dynamics.
What This Example Shows
- Nuclear family structure (Homer, Marge, 3 kids)
- Extended family (Grandpa, Patty, Selma)
- Sibling dynamics (Bart vs. Lisa)
- Difficult in-law relationships
- Absent/estranged family members
Key Genogram Elements
- • Standard marriage line (Homer-Marge)
- • Three children in birth order
- • Conflictual relationship (Homer-Patty/Selma)
- • Close sibling bond (Marge and her sisters)
- • Distant relationship (Homer-Grandpa)
Medical Genogram: Heart Disease Pattern
Tracking hereditary conditions across generations
Medical genograms help identify hereditary health patterns. This example shows how heart disease and related conditions appear across three generations, helping identify at-risk individuals.
What This Example Shows
- Heart disease appearing in multiple generations
- Related conditions (diabetes, hypertension)
- Age of onset patterns
- Cause of death information
- Identifying high-risk individuals
Key Genogram Elements
- • Color coding for conditions (red = heart, blue = diabetes)
- • Deceased symbols with cause of death
- • Age notations
- • Multiple conditions per person
- • Index person at genetic risk highlighted
The Kardashian-Jenner Family
Blended family with multiple marriages
The Kardashian-Jenner family demonstrates complex modern family structures with multiple marriages, blended families, and step-relationships that are increasingly common in contemporary society.
What This Example Shows
- Multiple marriages and divorces
- Half-siblings and step-siblings
- Children from different relationships
- Co-parenting dynamics
- Loss of parent (Robert Kardashian)
Key Genogram Elements
- • Multiple marriage lines per person
- • Divorce notations
- • Half-sibling connections
- • Step-parent relationships
- • Deceased parent symbol
How to Use These Examples
Study the Patterns
Look at how relationships repeat across generations. Notice what gets passed down.
Practice the Symbols
Try recreating these genograms to learn the symbols and proper notation.
Apply to Your Family
Use what you learned to create a genogram of your own family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a good genogram example?
Good genogram examples clearly demonstrate specific concepts: multi-generational patterns, emotional relationships, medical history, or complex family structures. The best examples use well-known families so viewers can focus on the genogram notation rather than learning new family information.
How many generations should a genogram example show?
Most educational genogram examples show three generations (grandparents, parents, children) as this is the standard for clinical work. However, examples may show more generations to illustrate multigenerational transmission of patterns.
Can I use famous family genograms for teaching?
Yes, famous family genograms are excellent teaching tools because students already know the family relationships. This allows them to focus on learning genogram symbols and interpretation rather than memorizing new family information.
Are these genogram examples accurate?
Examples based on public figures use publicly available information. They are educational illustrations of genogram concepts, not clinical documents. Emotional relationships in fictional families are interpretations for teaching purposes.
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