What is the purpose of a contextual genogram in family therapy?

• A. To diagnose personality disorders
• B. To identify genetic markers for mental illness
• C. To schedule family therapy sessions
• D. To determine the viewpoint of each family member, including those not present, to explore legacies, loyalties, entitlement, and indebtedness

Answer: (D)

A contextual genogram focuses on the family’s relational web and the unspoken agreements that pass through generations, showing how each member's view of themselves and others—including those not present—shapes current interactions. Its purpose is to uncover legacies, loyalties, entitlement, and indebtedness across generations, so the therapist can see how these hidden patterns influence present problems and the way family members relate to one another. This perspective helps address underlying dynamics like fairness, duty, and accountability, rather than just treating surface symptoms. It’s not used to diagnose personality disorders, identify genetic risk, or schedule sessions; it’s a tool for mapping and understanding the systemic, value-laden patterns that drive family functioning.