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Genogram Distant-Hostile Relationship Symbol
The Distant-Hostile relationship symbol is shown as a dashed distant line with a red jagged zigzag and a directional arrow running through it. Use it when two people have low contact or emotional distance, but the contact that remains is conflict-prone. This guide explains how it differs from close-hostile and fused-hostile patterns.
Distant-Hostile Symbol Example in a Genogram
Distant-Hostile Symbol Example in a Genogram
James Carter and his brother Michael Carter go most of the year without speaking.
When a holiday or family event brings them into the same room, old resentments surface fast and the visit usually ends in an argument.
James and Michael sit in their existing structural position as brothers, and the distant-hostile line runs between them.
Distant-Hostile vs. Close-Hostile vs. Fused-Hostile
- Distant-Hostile: dashed line plus hostile zigzag. Rare contact, but that contact turns hostile.
- Close-Hostile: parallel lines plus hostile zigzag. High contact, closeness alongside conflict.
- Fused-Hostile: enmeshed parallel lines plus hostile zigzag. Constant contact, weak boundaries, and conflict.
Contact frequency is what separates the three, distant is low, close is high, fused is enmeshed. Hostility is the thread running through all of them.
How to Add It in EasyGenogram
Select the relationship line, choose Distant-Hostile, click the person directing the hostility first, then the person it's directed at.
Repeat in the opposite direction if the dynamic is mutual.
Distant-Hostile Symbol Example in a Genogram
Explore this genogram and adapt it to your needs.
FAQ
What does the distant-hostile symbol look like on a genogram?
The Distant notation's dashed line with a red jagged zigzag and a directional arrow running through it.
What's an example of a distant-hostile relationship?
Two siblings who rarely speak or see each other, but whenever they're forced into contact, old resentments surface and the visit turns into an argument.
Is the distant-hostile genogram line directional?
Yes. The arrow shows who's directing the hostility and who it's aimed at. For a two-way dynamic, add the line twice, once per direction.
What's the difference between distant-hostile and close-hostile genogram symbols?
Close-Hostile involves regular, high contact alongside the conflict. Distant-Hostile involves rare contact, the hostility only surfaces on the occasions they interact.
What's the difference between distant-hostile and fused-hostile genogram symbols?
Fused-Hostile reflects constant contact and weak boundaries alongside conflict. Distant-Hostile is the opposite in contact frequency, the two people keep their distance most of the time.