Power Dynamic

Control Relationship Symbol in Genograms

The control symbol—a purple arrow line—represents relationships where one person exerts dominant control over another's decisions, activities, or access to resources. This documents power imbalances that restrict autonomy.

Controller

Controlled

Control: Purple arrow line

Understanding Control in Genograms

Control represents dominating behavior that restricts another's autonomy. This may include:

Financial control (limiting access to money)
Social control (isolating from friends/family)
Decision control (making all decisions for another)
Information control (limiting access to information)
Movement control (restricting where someone can go)

Control vs. Abuse

Control can exist without overt abuse, but coercive control is increasingly recognized as a form of abuse. The distinction matters clinically:

Some control may be culturally normative (parent-child)
Coercive control in intimate relationships is abuse
Control may precede or accompany other abuse forms

Related Symbols

Manipulative

Indirect control tactics

Abuse

When control becomes abusive

Neglect Manipulative

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