Self-Awareness and Family Systems Genogram Analysis Paper: (Visual Intergenerational Genogram Project and Multi-Systemic Eco-Map)
Each student will construct a three-generational visual genogram and develop at least a 5-page typed, self-awareness family analysis paper. The goal of drawing a genogram is to objectify the intergenerational system of family projections, identifications, relationships, experiences, and events, which have been influential in constructing the self. The major purposes of this assignment are the application of theory and practice to increase self-awareness (understanding of how your family system impacts your life and other systems in relation to your development) and integration of family systems theory and concepts into social work family practice. The assignment will give insight into your own family dynamics and emotional systems. Include a discussion on attachment styles and parenting styles and how these have impacted your current relationships with family of origin members and current relationships with friends, children, etc.
· Self-awareness is a never-ending process. You must detail the impact of this assignment on your self-awareness. What did you learn about yourself? What areas do you need to monitor, so that your needs do not interfere with clients’ needs. What insights about your family did you learn about your family? What insights and experiences might help you to understand and help other families?
· In the analysis, select and discuss family systems concepts and analyze your family through a developmental framework. You will demonstrate competence in analyzing family processes and dynamics. Consider and give special attention to family systems theoretical concepts such as emotional cutoffs, boundaries, projections, major transitions and family patterns, family strengths, family rules, family, family structure, family communication, family power structure, and family roles. Do not forget nodal events and the impact of the family system during a development stage from the life cycle.
· This assignment can be painful and difficult. Remember, all families have functional and dysfunctional characteristics that can vary depending on coping skills, life cycle stage, family interaction and functioning and other factors.
· Multi-Systemic Ecomap: Students will also submit a visual multi-systemic eco-map drawing of your family of origin or family of marriage using the Ecological/Systems Model to analyze and apply two family issues from the genogram project. This is a comprehensive drawing to indicate understanding and application of the ecological/systems perspective. It also entails application of environmental systems to two family issues as shown on the genogram from your family of origin. All information pertaining to your family issues should be written and drawn on the eco-map.
Genogram – Eco-map Project
Each student is required to prepare a three-generational or more generational visual genogram of his/her family and secondly, an eco-map identifying her/his relationships with the outside social network of transactions with larger eco systems.
GENERAL QUESTIONS IN CONSTRUCTING A GENOGRAM OR DRAWING YOUR OWN GENOGRAM
The following are some general questions you can ask a family member or yourself about the family Genogram (author unknown). Use these questions as a general guide for interviewing and writing your paper and if you wish develop further questions that pertain to your particular family setting. Include as much detail as possible. After drawing your Genogram, take a few minutes to interpret your personal Genogram, including the repetitive patterns that stand out in your family and how your Genogram affects your current behavior and assumptions. Also, note what information you do not have, and why it is that this information is missing. Always date your Genogram.
1. What was your relationship with each parent? Which parent were you closer to? Who did the disciplining?
2. What was your relationship with each sibling? Who were you closest to? Now? Then?
3. Who was the favorite child?
4. Who was not the favorite child?
5. What were you appreciated for? Were you praised? What for? What were your parents proud of you for?
6. What were you put down for? What did they criticize you for?
7. How did you make an impact in your family? How did you get attention? How much influence did you have?
8. What were/are the strengths of your family?
9. What were/are unresolved trouble spots?
10. How much have you separated (physically, emotionally, etc.) from your family? How much have you achieved a sense of your own identity apart from them? Are you still trying to be the way they wanted you to be? Do you want to be like your father? Mother? Do you want not to be like your father? Mother?
11. Do you see one as the “good” parent, and the other as the “bad” parent?
12. If you could ask each of your family members one question, what would it be?
13. What patterns and meanings from your family of origin have you kept? How are you the same as your parents and how are you different? What choices have you made in your parenting practices because of your upbringing?
14. What connections do you see now between how you were raised and how you are raising your children now that we have looked at your experience growing up? What would you like to do differently?
15. What meaning do you make of your upbringing now? How have you carried that sense in your upbringing into your current family?
