Genogram Key
Symbol Guide & Legend
The complete reference guide to genogram symbols. Learn what every symbol means and how to read any genogram like a professional.
What is a Genogram Key?
A genogram key (or genogram legend) is the decoder ring for understanding genogram diagrams. It explains what each symbol, line style, and marking means, ensuring anyone can accurately interpret the family information displayed.
While genogram symbols are largely standardized across the mental health and medical professions, slight variations exist. Including a key with your genogram eliminates confusion and ensures your diagram communicates exactly what you intend. A good genogram key covers gender symbols, life status, relationship types, emotional bonds, and any custom notations you've added.
Gender Symbols
Basic shapes representing family members
Male
Square shape represents male family members
Female
Circle shape represents female family members
Unknown/Other
Diamond for unknown gender or non-binary
Pregnancy
Triangle represents pregnancy
Life Status Symbols
Indicating living, deceased, and pregnancy status
Living
Empty shape indicates person is alive
Deceased
X through shape indicates death
Stillbirth
Small X for stillbirth
Miscarriage
Crossed triangle for miscarriage
Abortion
Triangle with horizontal line
Relationship Symbols
Lines connecting partners and indicating relationship status
Marriage
Solid horizontal line connecting partners
Engagement
Dashed line for engaged couples
Cohabitation
Dotted line for living together
Separation
Single slash through the line
Divorce
Double slash through the line
Widowed
X on deceased partner's side
Emotional Relationship Symbols
Lines showing the quality of emotional bonds
Close
Two parallel lines
Very Close/Enmeshed
Three parallel lines
Distant
Dashed/broken line
Hostile/Conflict
Zigzag/jagged line
Cutoff/Estranged
Line with gap or break
Focused On
Line with arrow direction
Abusive
Zigzag with directional arrow
Medical Genogram Key
Tracking health conditions across generations
Medical genograms use color-coded quadrants within each person symbol to indicate health conditions. GenogramAI supports 4 customizable quadrants that you can assign to any conditions relevant to your family.
Example Quadrant Setup:
- Top Left: Heart Disease
- Top Right: Diabetes
- Bottom Left: Cancer
- Bottom Right: Mental Health
How It Works:
Each person symbol is divided into 4 quadrants. Fill in a quadrant with the assigned color when that person has the corresponding condition. This creates a visual pattern showing which conditions run in the family.
Genogram Key FAQs
What is a genogram key?
A genogram key (also called a genogram legend) is a reference guide that explains all the symbols used in a genogram. It includes symbols for gender, life status, relationship types, emotional bonds, and medical conditions. Every genogram should include a key so readers can interpret the diagram correctly.
What are the basic genogram symbols?
The basic genogram symbols are: square for male, circle for female, triangle for pregnancy/miscarriage, X through shape for deceased, horizontal line for marriage, single slash for separation, double slash for divorce, and vertical lines connecting parents to children.
How do you show relationships in a genogram key?
Relationship symbols in a genogram key include: solid line for marriage, dashed line for engagement, single slash for separation, double slash for divorce, dotted line for cohabitation. Emotional relationships use different line styles: thick lines for close bonds, zigzag for conflict, dashed for distant.
What symbols are used for emotional relationships?
Emotional relationship symbols include: double line (close/intimate), triple line (enmeshed), zigzag line (hostile/conflict), dashed line (distant), dotted line (estranged), wavy line (focus/fused), and combination lines for complex relationships like close-hostile.
Should I include a key with my genogram?
Yes, always include a genogram key with your diagram. Even though many symbols are standardized, interpretations can vary. A key ensures anyone viewing your genogram understands exactly what each symbol represents. GenogramAI automatically includes standard symbols.
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