Genograms in Research: Participants’ Reflections of the Genogram Process

Article

Alexander, J. H., Callaghan, J. E. M. and Fellin, L. 2018. Genograms in Research: Participants’ Reflections of the Genogram Process. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 19 (1), pp. 91-111. https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2018.1545066
AuthorsAlexander, J. H., Callaghan, J. E. M. and Fellin, L.
Abstract

The genogram is a visual, symbolic representation of multiple generations of a family, structured in much the same way as a family tree. Genograms emerged within systemic family therapy as an assessment and intervention tool but, in their ability to generate rich data, they are gaining traction as a research tool. While the benefits of genograms in therapeutic practice have been well documented, the literature exploring them as a research method is limited. This paper aims to contribute to this knowledge, by considering participants’ experiential reflections of constructing their genograms, a process they engaged in as part of a broader study which explored the intergenerational transmission of family violence. We illustrate that while genograms generated powerful qualitative data, they also had unintended therapeutic and transformative effects on participants which transcended the interview room. We consider the ethical complexities of using genograms as a qualitative method, and make recommendations for future research.

JournalQualitative Research in Psychology
Journal citation19 (1), pp. 91-111
ISSN1478-0887
Year2018
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Accepted author manuscript
License
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14780887.2018.1545066
Publication dates
Online17 Dec 2018
Publication process dates
Deposited14 Nov 2018
Accepted17 Oct 2018
FunderInstitute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice
Funds for Women Graduates
Institute for Public Safety, Crime and Justice
Funds for Women Graduates
Copyright information© 2018 Taylor & Francis. This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Qualitative Research in Psychology on 17/12/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/14780887.2018.1545066.
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