The conflict symbol — a zigzag line — represents ongoing tension, disagreement, or discord between family members. This pattern indicates persistent friction that may or may not be expressed openly but creates underlying stress in the family system.
Conflict Relationship: Zigzag line (typically red)
In genogram terminology, a conflict relationship refers to an emotional pattern characterized by ongoing tension, disagreement, competing interests, or unresolved issues between family members. According to Monica McGoldrick in Genograms: Assessment and Treatment (2020), conflict lines document relationships where friction is a defining feature.
The conflict symbol is drawn as a zigzag (jagged) line between two individuals. This is one of the most commonly documented emotional patterns in clinical genograms, as family conflict is frequently the presenting issue that brings clients to therapy.
One of the most common questions in genogram notation is the difference between conflict and hostile relationships. While both involve negative emotional dynamics, they represent different intensities:
While many clinicians use these terms interchangeably, a useful clinical distinction is:
Understanding the common sources of conflict helps clinicians document patterns more accurately. Research in family therapy identifies several recurring triggers:
Competing values, religious differences, lifestyle choices, or political disagreements that create ongoing friction.
Misunderstandings, passive-aggressive patterns, or inability to discuss difficult topics constructively.
Disagreements about parenting approaches, financial decisions, inheritance, or caregiving responsibilities.
Past grievances, perceived betrayals, or old wounds that have never been addressed or resolved.
Conflict patterns are clinically significant for several reasons. Research in family therapy consistently shows that unresolved conflict affects not just the individuals involved but the entire family system.
Murray Bowen identified triangulation as a core process in family systems. When two people are in conflict, they frequently draw in a third person to reduce anxiety. In genograms, these patterns show up as conflict lines between two people with a close or fused line to a third.
A classic example: parents in conflict who triangulate a child. The child becomes the focus of attention (either as a go-between or as the "problem"), which temporarily reduces parental tension but harms the child's development. Genograms make these triangles visible.
Rosa (62) and her daughter-in-law Mei (34) have been in conflict since Mei married Rosa's son Carlos (36). The tension centers on parenting differences — Rosa believes in strict discipline while Mei favors a more permissive approach. Carlos is triangulated, feeling pulled between his mother and wife. The genogram shows a conflict line between Rosa and Mei, with close lines from both to Carlos.
After their father's death, siblings David (48) and Karen (45) entered into prolonged conflict over the estate. David believed Karen had influenced their father to change his will. Three years later, the conflict persists and has spread — David's wife and Karen's husband are now also involved, with the conflict line extending across both nuclear families.
When conflict patterns appear in genograms, therapists can use several approaches:
More intense, expressed antagonism and active hostility
Conflict combined with emotional intimacy — volatile bonds
Complete disconnection — sometimes the end result of unresolved conflict
Emotional distance — may result from conflict avoidance
The conflict symbol in a genogram is a zigzag (jagged) line drawn between two individuals. It is typically colored red or drawn with sharp angular peaks to distinguish it from other relationship lines. According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry (2020), this symbol represents ongoing tension, discord, or disagreement between family members.
Conflict and hostile relationships are closely related but differ in intensity. Conflict (zigzag line) represents ongoing tension, disagreement, and friction that may simmer beneath the surface. Hostile relationships indicate more active, expressed antagonism and open warfare. In practice, many clinicians use these terms interchangeably, though some reserve 'hostile' for more severe or violent dynamics.
Some degree of conflict is normal and even healthy in families. Constructive conflict — where family members can disagree, express different viewpoints, and work through differences — is a sign of differentiation. The conflict symbol in genograms typically represents persistent, unresolved conflict that causes ongoing distress, not occasional healthy disagreements.
Press 'E' to activate the Emotional Relationship tool, click on the first person, drag to the second person, then select 'Conflict' from the relationship type menu. A red zigzag line will appear between the two individuals.
Multigenerational conflict patterns often repeat because family members learn conflict management styles from their parents. According to Bowen family systems theory, unresolved conflict in one generation increases anxiety in the next, often leading to similar conflict patterns. Children who witness persistent parental conflict may replicate those dynamics in their own adult relationships.
Use GenogramAI to document conflict relationships and identify intervention points. Start with our free genogram creator — no download required.