An eco-map (or ecomap) is a
graphical representation
Graphic communication as the name suggests is communication using graphic elements. These elements include symbols such as glyphs and icons, images such as drawings and photographs, and can include the passive contributions of substrate, colour ...
that shows all of the
system
A system is a group of Interaction, interacting or interrelated elements that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. A system, surrounded and influenced by its environment (systems), environment, is described by its boundaries, ...
s at play in an individual's life. Eco-maps are used in individual and
family counseling
Family (from la, familia) is a group of people related either by consanguinity (by recognized birth) or affinity (by marriage or other relationship). The purpose of the family is to maintain the well-being of its members and of society. Ideall ...
within the social work and
nursing
Nursing is a profession within the health care sector focused on the care of individuals, families, and communities so they may attain, maintain, or recover optimal health and quality of life. Nurses may be differentiated from other health ...
profession. They are often a way of portraying
Systems Theory
Systems theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems, i.e. cohesive groups of interrelated, interdependent components that can be natural or human-made. Every system has causal boundaries, is influenced by its context, defined by its structu ...
in a simplistic way that both the social worker and the client can look at during the session. These ecological maps, or ecomaps, were developed by Hartman in 1975 as a means of depicting the ecological system that encompasses a family or individual.
[
An ecogram is a combination of a ]genogram
A genogram (also known as a McGoldrick–Gerson study, a Lapidus schematic or a family diagram) is a pictorial display of a person's family relationships and medical history. It goes beyond a traditional family tree by allowing the user to visua ...
and an ecomap. The terms "ecogram" and "ecomap" are often used interchangeably, however.[Hartman, A. (1995). Diagrammatic assessment of family relationships. Families in Society, 76, 111-122.][Hodge, David R. (2005) Spiritual assessment in marital and family therapy: A methodological framework for selecting from among six qualitative assessment tools. J of Marital and Family Therapy, 31, 341-356.]
Symbols
At the center of the eco-map is the client (this can either be a family or individual). They are depicted in the center of the circle. Family connections are shown. There are also connections from all of the relevant systems that are at play in the clients life. These systems are connected to either individuals or the entire circle by line:
* Arrows pointing both direction depicts a two direction flow of influence
* Arrows pointing to the client mean that the system primarily influences the client
* Arrows pointing to the system mean that the client primarily influences the system
* Curvy or red lines mean that the system is a stressful relationship
* Thicker (darker) lines mean stronger relationship
Other uses
In the context of ecology, ''ecogram'' can also refer to a kind of Venn diagram
A Venn diagram is a widely used diagram style that shows the logical relation between set (mathematics), sets, popularized by John Venn (1834–1923) in the 1880s. The diagrams are used to teach elementary set theory, and to illustrate simple ...
used to depict the niches a plant may live in, depending on the environmental conditions, especially used in forestry
Forestry is the science and craft of creating, managing, planting, using, conserving and repairing forests, woodlands, and associated resources for human and environmental benefits. Forestry is practiced in plantations and natural stands. Th ...
. See e.g. :de:Ökogramm.
See also
* Culturagram
* Family Therapy
Family therapy (also referred to as family counseling, family systems therapy, marriage and family therapy, couple and family therapy) is a branch of psychology and clinical social work that works with families and couples in intimate relationsh ...
* Systems Theory
Systems theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems, i.e. cohesive groups of interrelated, interdependent components that can be natural or human-made. Every system has causal boundaries, is influenced by its context, defined by its structu ...
References
{{reflist
External links
Genogram & Eco-map
assignment for SOWK 460, an example of an eco-map done in MS Word
Psychological tests and scales