Genogram symbols

About this template

The first set of symbols represents family members. A male index person, from whose perspective the genogram is made, is symbolized as a double-lined square. A male family member is symbolized using a single-lined square.

A female family member is symbolized using a single-lined circle. A deceased male in the family is represented by a crossed square. A deceased female in the family is represented by a crossed circle.

A female family member who died, was then resurrected, and then died again is represented using overlapping circles, where the first and last circles are crossed, while the middle one is a blank circle. A male family member who was involved with alcohol abuse is represented with a square that is horizontally split in half, with the lower half colored in gray.

The next set of symbols is for relationships, primarily between partners. A solid black line, when used to draw half a square that connects to family members on both ends, represents a marriage between those two members. A dotted red line, when used to draw half a square that connects to family members on both ends, represents a love affair between those two members.

The remaining set of symbols represents emotional relationships between any two members of the family.

A zigzag red line represents a hostile relationship between two family members. A dashed gray arrow line represents a neglectful or abusive relationship.

Two solid green lines represent a close friendship between two family members. A single solid green line with a circle in its center represents a familial love between two family members who are unrelated.

A solid green line with arrowheads at the end of each break in it, with a circle in its center, represents a one-sided familial love between two family members. Two solid green parallel lines with smaller green lines consistently cutting them perpendicularly represent a very close friendship between two family members who are best friends.

A single black line with smaller red lines consistently cutting it perpendicularly represents a distrustful relationship between two family members.

A dashed red arrow line represents a relationship of one-way indifference from one family member to another. A single blue arrow line represents a relationship where one family member is focused on another.

A single yellow arrow line with arrowheads on both its ends symbolizes a resentful relationship between two family members. Three parallel gray lines represent a fused relationship between two family members.