What term describes a diagram showing family relationships across several generations?

The term that describes a diagram showing family relationships across several generations is a genogram. A genogram is a graphical representation that maps out family connections and dynamics, often using symbols to indicate various relationships, behaviors, and health information. This tool allows social workers and other professionals to visualize complex family structures, identify patterns of behavior, and understand the generational influences that affect family members. It is particularly useful in therapy and social work, as it captures not only biological relationships but also emotional connections and conflicts, offering insights into family dynamics that can inform treatment strategies.

While other terms might describe various aspects of family or relationships, such as a family circle which suggests a more simplistic visual of immediate family members, or an eco-map, which focuses on a person’s connections to their environment and significant relationships, these do not specifically address the multi-generational aspect and the complexity involved in a family's structure like a genogram does. A family picture simply refers to a visual representation of family members without the depth and detail that a genogram provides.