The connected relationship symbol—a single straight line—represents the basic acknowledgment that a relationship exists between two family members. This foundational symbol indicates that individuals are aware of and interact with each other, without specifying the emotional quality of that connection.
Connected Relationship: Single straight line
A connected relationship in genogram notation represents the baseline acknowledgment that two people have a relationship. According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry (2020), a single line between individuals indicates they are connected—they know each other, interact, and have some form of ongoing relationship.
The connected line serves as the foundation upon which other emotional qualities are layered. It simply states "a relationship exists" without characterizing whether that relationship is positive, negative, close, or distant.
Use the basic connected symbol when:
Connected (1 line): Relationship exists, neutral quality
Close (2 lines): Warm, supportive emotional bond
Many families have members who are connected but not particularly close—they function together without deep emotional intimacy.
The connected symbol is particularly useful in initial genogram construction before detailed emotional assessment. It allows clinicians to map family structure first, then add emotional overlays as more information emerges through the therapeutic process.