Participants’ Reflections on Constructing Timeline Genograms in Qualitative Research

Abstract

Timeline genograms provide a visual method for mapping family structures and relational changes over time. While often used in therapeutic contexts for conducting assessments and gathering historical information, their application in psychological research remains underexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by examining participants’ subjective experiences of constructing timeline genograms. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis, participants described how the genogram process simplified complex relational narratives, evoked reflection on family experiences, and revealed recurring relational patterns. Findings suggest that timeline genograms extend beyond data collection, functioning as a tool that can stimulate psychological insight, support meaning-making, and elicit unintended therapeutic effects. This article highlights the value of timeline genograms as a methodologically adaptable tool for qualitative research in the South African context while also drawing attention to the ethical considerations associated with their use.