Couple relationships are represented in the genogram with a horizontal line between the two symbols, with precise variations depending on the type of bond. The man-left / woman-right convention is classic, although it is optional in modern systems.
**Line types:** solid = marriage · dashed = cohabitation or common-law union (sometimes marked “LT” for *living together*) · short dotted = engagement or formal courtship · thin line = dating relationship · line with ONE diagonal slash = legal separation without divorce · line with TWO diagonal slashes = finalized divorce · line with “ANN” annotation = annulment.
**Special cases:** affair (pink dot-dash line in GenoPro), violent relationship (zigzag line with directional arrow indicating aggressor), widowhood (the deceased partner has an X inside but the marriage line remains visible).
For Hellinger, **previous partners are not erased**, even if there is a divorce. The line with a double slash remains in the genogram because that bond belonged to the system, and “belonging” is forever. Erasing the father's first wife from the genogram breaks the law of belonging.
Evidence and contemporary voices
The 'couple lines in the genogram' are part of the standardized symbology in systemic family therapy, developed by Monica McGoldrick and collaborators in the Genogram Project at the Ackerman Institute for the Family. This graphic convention represents marital relationships using solid horizontal lines for legal marriages, dashed lines for non-formalized cohabitation, a single slash for separations, and two slashes for divorces (McGoldrick et al., 2008). Clinical research in systemic psychology, such as that by Goolishian and Anderson (1992) at the Houston Galveston Institute, uses genograms to map transgenerational relational dynamics, identifying patterns of repetition in couples and family traumas. Empirical studies, such as Qualls' (2000) at the University of Colorado, validate its usefulness in interventions with multigenerational families, showing improvements in identifying invisible loyalties and unresolved conflicts (Qualls, 2000). In transgenerational trauma, Framo (1992) integrates genograms to explore couple lines as vectors of emotional transmission, supported by qualitative analyses in clinical contexts.
Verifiable citations
- "Solid line for married couples; dashed line for consensual unions; single slash for separation; double slash for divorce." — Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson, and Sueli Petry, Genograms: Assessment and Intervention(2008, p. 25).
- "Horizontal lines in genograms delineate marital alliances, essential for tracing relational inheritances." — James L. Framo, Family of Origin Therapy: An Intergenerational Approach (1992, p. 112).
Researchers and Key Figures
- Monica McGoldrick — Ackerman Institute for the Family — development of standardized genogram symbology
- Randy Gerson — Ackerman Institute for the Family — clinical applications in family therapy
- James Framo — University of California — integration into family of origin therapy
- Sally H. Qualls — University of Colorado — empirical validation in multigenerational families
Auditable Sources
Additional research generated with consultation of academic sources (Perplexity Sonar Pro). Citations and URLs are the responsibility of their original source; verify before formally citing.
Bibliography
- Genograms: Assessment and Treatment — Monica McGoldrick, Randy Gerson, Sueli Petry. W.W. Norton, 4ª ed., 2020.
- The Orders of Love — Bert Hellinger. Herder, 2001.
These books are in the reference library that nourishes Constelando el Origen.
Related terms
Clinical genogram
Standardized family diagram that maps at least three generations using universal symbols (McGoldrick). Visual basis for systemic work.
See entryPrevious partner belongs (Hellinger convention)
A parent's or grandparent's previous partner is drawn in full, with the marriage line severed by divorce, but remains in the genogram. Hellinger: "exes are not erased."
See recordBelonging
First systemic law: everyone who belonged to the system, belongs forever. Excluding someone forces the system to represent them later.
See recordA session that names what hurts
If you recognize this dynamic in your own history, a Family Constellation can reveal where it comes from and what movement orders it. Daniela accompanies each case with respect.
Sessions in Spanish only