A Computer-Graphical Model of Multigenerational Family Systems

In: Social science computer review: SSCORE, Volume 9, Issue 1, p. 13-26

Abstract

This paper describes an interdisciplinary project in which techniques from the field of scientific data visualization are applied to the field of family psychotherapy. The model of Bowen theory a conceptual framework that treats the family as an organism, is the basis for this project Beginning with symbols and conventions from the genogram, a static diagram widely used for documenting family process, a three-dimensional dynamic model is being developed, based on a treelike topology. The system allows interactive analysis of this 3-D structure using a mouse and keyboard commands. An interactively movable "time-slice" in the structure gives rise to a motion picture of family symbols (similar to the genogram) which change through time. Upon further development, this system will allow analysis of an extensive family database, including information from social, emotional, and physical domains, over many generations. Keywords: data visualization, family systems theory genealogy genogram, interactive computer animation.