Negative Pattern

Distrust Relationship Symbol in Genograms

The distrust symbol—a black line with X marks—represents relationships characterized by suspicion, lack of trust, and guarded interactions. Trust has been broken or was never established, leading family members to question each other's motives, reliability, or honesty.

Distrust: Black line with X marks

Understanding Distrust in Family Systems

Distrust represents a fundamental breakdown in the ability to rely on or believe in another family member. Unlike conflict (which may involve trust) or hostility (which may be openly expressed), distrust is often characterized by vigilance, suspicion, and protective guardedness.

Sources of Family Distrust

Betrayal: affairs, financial deception, broken promises
Patterns of dishonesty or unreliability
Boundary violations that damaged sense of safety
Addiction-related behavior
Inherited distrust ("never trust your in-laws")

Clinical Significance

Distrust affects family functioning by:

Limiting information sharing within the family
Creating coalitions and secrets
Preventing resolution of other conflicts
Modeling suspicious relational patterns for children

Related Symbols

Distant

Often accompanies distrust

Manipulative

Often causes distrust

Hate Fused-Hostile

Document Trust Patterns

Map distrust and other complex dynamics.

Start Free