What Is a Cultural Genogram?

A cultural genogram is a tool used by therapists and patients to identify and address issues relating to cultural identity and family history. Information is gathered through a series of interviews. Pictorial symbols and notes are used to compose a complex template of information that can be easily referenced. Cultural genogram composition training is an aspect of cultural competency training for medical professionals.

Ethnic, Cultural and Genetic Data

• Cultural genograms include ethnic and cultural information about the patient, including ancestors'`and family members'`countries of origin. They include demographic and genetic information such as medical and psychiatric histories and health behaviors.

Geographic and Other Information

• The therapist and patient document geographical information such as who lives with the patient and where other relatives live. Therapists generate other information for genograms by identifying relatives that are health experts, getting a history of health behaviors and beliefs, exploring family relationships and noticing incidences of substance abuse and homosexuality.

Variables and Symbols

• Genograms attempt to incorporate more abstract information like gender variables and roles depicted in the household. The therapist and patient develop symbols to use to indicate relationships, such as closeness and conflict lines between the patient and a relative.