Qualitative genogram analysis: A methodology for theorizing family dynamics

Abstract

Genograms have been an important tool for clinicians and therapists working with families; however, the use of genograms has not been extended beyond clinical settings. To address this gap in research, we developed qualitative genogram analysis (QGA), a three-step protocol for analyzing transcribed interviews using family systems theory, representing family systems relational concepts visually in genograms, and identifying common patterns of family dynamics that emerged from these visualizations across families. We present the QGA protocol using interviews with family members who experienced elder family financial exploitation. This innovative use of genograms as part of an analytical process allows researchers to theorize family systems in innovative ways and go beyond examining each family relationship as a “variable” and look at relationship dynamics systemically and wholistically across families.