Teacher’s Summary
This essay explores the profound impact of family history on individual development, using a genogram project to uncover key patterns and themes within the author’s family. By interviewing four family members, the author identifies themes of resilience, family dynamics, and the effects of addiction, which have influenced the family across generations. The project offers valuable insights into how these experiences shape personal identity and decision-making, serving as a tool for both academic study and personal growth.
Grade: A-
My Genogram Project: Uncovering Family Patterns and Influences
Introduction
As a psychology student at my community college, I’ve always been fascinated by how our family histories shape who we are. The concept of nature versus nurture has been a constant topic of discussion in my classes, but it wasn’t until this genogram project that I truly understood how deeply our family experiences can influence our personalities, choices, and life paths.
When my professor first introduced this assignment, I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive. Digging into family history can be a sensitive topic, and I wasn’t sure how my relatives would respond to my questions. However, as I began the process, I found myself on an unexpected journey of discovery that went far beyond the basic family tree.
For this project, I chose to interview four key members of my family: my cousin Kenneth, my mother Valerie, my uncle Diego, and my grandfather Angelo. These individuals represent different generations and both sides of my family, giving me a broad perspective on our shared history.
What I uncovered was a rich tapestry of experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped our family over generations. From the immigrant experience of my great-grandparents to the personal struggles and achievements of my closest relatives, each story added a new layer to my understanding of who we are as a family and who I am as an individual.
This project allowed me to look deeper into my family’s make-up, uncovering patterns of resilience, shared values, and yes, even some recurring challenges that have influenced multiple generations. As I pieced together these stories, I began to see connections I had never noticed before, linking seemingly unrelated events and personality traits across the family tree.
In the following pages, I’ll share what I’ve learned about my family’s history, the key themes and patterns that emerged, and how this project has changed my perspective on my own place within this complex family dynamic. More than just a school assignment, this genogram has become a valuable tool for self-reflection and understanding, one that I believe will continue to inform my studies in psychology and my personal growth for years to come.
The Interviewees
Kenneth Diego (Cousin)
- Born: February 1978, Brooklyn, NY
- Occupation: Public relations in Manhattan
- Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Marital status: Single
Valerie Johnson (Mother)
- Born: July 1956, Brooklyn, NY
- Occupation: Housewife, former insurance agency worker
- Education: High school graduate
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Marital status: Married with two children
Diego Johnson (Uncle)
- Born: April 1964, Brooklyn, NY
- Occupation: Mechanic for New York Transit Authority
- Education: High school GED
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Marital status: Married with twin daughters
Angelo Johnson (Grandfather)
- Born: January 1929, Manhattan, NY
- Occupation: Retired Tool & Die Maker / Designer
- Education: Some college courses
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Marital status: Married (second marriage)
Key Themes and Patterns
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Both sides of my family have faced significant challenges:
- Cousin Kenneth’s hit-and-run accident at age 12
- My great-aunt’s paralysis from an ice skating accident
- The impact of World War II on my grandfather’s childhood
These events have shaped our family’s cautious nature but also highlighted our resilience and ability to overcome obstacles.
Family Dynamics and Divorce
My father’s side of the family has been significantly impacted by divorce:
- My grandparents’ divorce affected all their children
- Two of the five siblings have also divorced
- This pattern has influenced how the family views relationships and conflict resolution
Addiction and Its Impact
One family member’s struggle with drug addiction has had far-reaching effects on our family dynamics and my own decision-making process as a teenager.
Shared Traits and Values
Despite challenges, certain positive traits seem to run in the family:
- Strong work ethic
- Creativity and imagination
- Compassion and desire to help others
- Resilience and inner strength
Conclusion: Personal Reflection
This project has opened my eyes to the complex web of influences that have shaped my family and, by extension, me. I’ve realized how much I’ve internalized these family experiences, using them as guideposts for my own life choices.
The patterns of resilience in the face of accidents and health challenges have instilled in me a sense of gratitude and determination. The divorces and relationship struggles on my father’s side have made me more aware of the importance of communication and conflict resolution in relationships.
Perhaps most significantly, witnessing the impact of addiction within my family has strengthened my resolve to make positive choices in my own life. I find myself constantly reflecting on these family experiences when faced with difficult decisions.
As I continue my studies in psychology, I’m excited to further explore how these family dynamics have shaped me and how I can use this knowledge to better understand human behavior. This project has not only taught me about my family history but has also given me valuable insights into the complex interplay between family experiences and individual development.
References:
1. Carter, B., & McGoldrick, M. (2005). The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family, and Social Perspectives. Pearson.
2. Bowen, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Jason Aronson.
3.Goldenberg, I., & Goldenberg, H. (2013). Family Therapy: An Overview. Cengage Learning.
4.McGoldrick, M., & Gerson, R. (1985). Genograms in Family Assessment. Norton.
5.American Psychological Association (APA) – Family Systems Therapy