NU 646-Family Systems Project
NU 646-Family Systems Project
Week 12 Assignment 1: Family Systems Project
Value: 100 points
Due: Day 7
Gradebook Category: Assignments
Instructions
The Family Systems Assignment
Review the following resources before beginning the assignment:
Genograms in Nursing Education and Practice a Sensitive but Very
Effective Technique: A Systematic Review
Genogram Tip Sheet (Word)
Explaining Genograms
Introduction to the Genogram: What is a Genogram? Video
What is a Genogram? Video Transcript
For this assignment:
Create a family genogram (three generations), including:
o All the members of your family, identifying significant
alliances among the various members.
o The relationship you had as a child with each person.
o Your relationship with each member now.
Cite and discuss at least two family systems theories to support the
dynamics of the family genogram.
Ensure the genogram is neatly diagrammed and labeled.
See Family Therapy applied to the Case of Stan, Corey 9th ed., p p.
452–455, (7th ed., pp. 435–438) for an explanation of diagrammatic
legends
A. Genogram: Provide a three-generation genogram of your family of origin (
with a copy of your paper), based on McGoldrick et al. (2008) (PDF) guidelines.
ALSO, incorporate aspects of the Cultural Genogram (Hardy & Lasloffy,
1995)(PDF) by color-coding specific ethnic/cultural factors noted in your
family. Cultural aspects can also be provided on a separate genogram, if you
prefer.
B. In a separate document, provide a brief description of significant
relationships and patterns among family members noted on your g enogram.
ALSO, describe some of the connections you have made of patterns noted in
your family of origin (as depicted on your g enogram) and your current
significant relationships and behaviors with others. For example, are there
patterns you observe in your current relationships that are connected to the
background/context presented in your genogram?
C. Given some of the relational patterns, events, stressors, and descriptors
noted in your genogram, please describe any potential “blinders” or “blind
spots” that may get in the way of your practice with clients. In other words, are
there certain issues (healthy or unhealthy, resolved or unresolved, functional
or dysfunctional) that would impact your work with clients in ways that you
need to be aware of?
D. No family is perfect or problem-free. All families struggle with issues,
concerns, and transitions through time. Given what you have presented in
your genogram and how you have described your family, discuss one area of
concern that could be (or could have been) addressed in therapy. How would
a Bowenian Natural Family Systems therapist go about addressing this issue
in therapy? Make use of theoretical principles and interventions consistent
with transgenerational thinking and practice.
E. Now that you have a broader understanding of your family by way of your
genogram and your place within it, do you see yourself doing anything
differently in relation to one or more members in your family? Would you like
to interact differently or change your behavior in any way? What impact might
this change in your behavior have on your family system?
NOTE: It is important to undertake this assignment with a degree of openness
to learning about the subject matter and about yourself as a person in
context. This paper will be graded on your degree of openness to learning
about yourself in relation to your family, the accuracy of course concepts used
in your genogram and paper, writing style, and systemic orientation. The
instructor will be the only one to read your paper, and its contents will be held
in strict confidence.
NU 646-Family Systems Project
