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Interactive Use of Genograms and Ecomaps in Family Caregiving Research
Gwen R. Rempel, RN, PhD
University of Alberta, gwen.rempel{at}ualberta.ca
Anne Neufeld, RN, PhD
University of Alberta
Kaysi Eastlick Kushner, RN, PhD
University of Alberta
This article argues for the concurrent and comparative use of genograms and ecomaps in family caregiving research. A genogram is a graphic portrayal of the composition and structure of one's family and an ecomap is a graphic portrayal of personal and family social relationships. Although development and utilization of genograms and ecomaps is rooted in clinical practice with families, as research tools they provide data that can enhance the researcher's understanding of family member experiences. In qualitative research of the supportive and nonsupportive interactions experienced by male family caregivers, the interactive use of genograms and ecomaps (a) facilitated increased understanding of social networks as a context for caregiving, (b) promoted a relational process between researcher and participant, and (c) uncovered findings such as unrealized potential in the participant's social network that may not be revealed with the use of the genogram or ecomap alone, or the noncomparative use of both.
Key Words: qualitative methods • genograms • ecomaps • social support • family caregiving
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Journal of Family Nursing, Vol. 13, No. 4,
403-419 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1074840707307917
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This article has been cited by other articles:
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A. Neufeld and K. E. Kushner
Men Family Caregivers' Experience of Nonsupportive Interactions: Context and Expectations
Journal of Family Nursing,
May 1, 2009;
15(2):
171 - 197.
[Abstract]
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