The hostile relationship symbol—depicted as a zigzag (jagged) line—represents active conflict, antagonism, and discord between family members. This symbol indicates relationships characterized by frequent arguments, tension, mutual animosity, or ongoing disputes.
Hostile/Conflict Relationship: Zigzag line (red)
A hostile relationship in genogram terminology represents an emotional pattern characterized by ongoing conflict, antagonism, or discord. According to McGoldrick, Gerson, and Petry in "Genograms: Assessment and Treatment" (2020), "A zigzag line indicates conflict."
Conflict in family systems exists on a spectrum from occasional disagreements to chronic hostility. The hostile relationship symbol indicates relationships where negative interactions predominate—whether through open warfare, passive aggression, or chronic tension.
The zigzag line is universally recognized in genogram notation as indicating conflict or hostility. The jagged nature of the line visually represents the "rough edges" and friction in the relationship. Red coloring is typically used to emphasize the negative nature of the pattern.
Hostile relationships can manifest in various forms, each with different clinical implications and intervention approaches.
Active arguments, shouting matches, and openly expressed anger. Family members directly confront each other.
Indirect hostility through silent treatment, subtle criticism, sarcasm, or undermining behaviors.
Persistent underlying hostility without open confrontation. "Walking on eggshells" atmosphere.
Same issues resurface repeatedly without resolution. Arguments follow predictable patterns.
Conflict is a normal part of family life. However, chronic, unresolved, or destructive conflict significantly impacts family functioning and individual mental health. Understanding conflict patterns helps therapists:
In family systems theory, conflict often serves to manage anxiety in the system. Conflict may stabilize a triangle, distract from other problems, or maintain homeostasis. Understanding this function is crucial before attempting to reduce conflict—removing conflict without addressing underlying anxiety may create problems elsewhere in the system.
Murray Bowen's concept of triangulation is particularly relevant to understanding hostile relationships. When anxiety in a dyad becomes too intense, a third party is often drawn in to stabilize the system. Common conflict triangles include:
Extensive research documents the negative effects of parental conflict on children:
Conflict patterns frequently repeat across generations. When mapping genograms, look for:
It's important to distinguish between hostile relationships (conflict) and abusive relationships (violence). While both involve negative interactions:
| Hostile/Conflict | Violence/Abuse |
|---|---|
| Mutual antagonism | Power imbalance, one-directional |
| Verbal disagreements | Physical harm or threat |
| Can be addressed in therapy | Requires safety planning first |
| Zigzag line symbol | Arrow symbol with zigzag |
The Garcia Family: Rosa (45) and her sister Maria (42) have been in open conflict for 15 years since their mother's death. The dispute centers on inheritance, but genogram mapping reveals this conflict echoes their mother's relationship with her own sister. The sisters' children have been triangulated, splitting the extended family into two camps that don't speak.
Therapeutic intervention focuses on deconstructing the triangle, helping each sister own their part in the conflict, and exploring how their mother's unresolved sibling issues contributed to the current pattern.
Conflict combined with emotional closeness
Conflict escalated to violence
Often results from unresolved conflict
Cold antagonism with limited contact
Normal conflict involves occasional disagreements that get resolved without lasting damage to the relationship. Problematic conflict is chronic, involves the same unresolved issues, includes destructive behaviors, or significantly impairs relationship functioning.
Yes. The zigzag line connects both individuals, indicating that conflict is typically a relational pattern involving both parties, even if one seems more "at fault." This systemic view is fundamental to family therapy.
Yes. With therapeutic intervention, improved communication skills, and addressing underlying issues, hostile relationships can transform. This often requires both parties' willingness to change their patterns of interaction.
Use GenogramAI to visualize hostile relationships and identify intervention points.
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