Baley Ganger Family genogram - Research Paper Example

A hereditary disease like cancer is also apparent in the genogram. James Buchan and Robert Davidson who belong to the third ascending generation have depression histories. Their granddaughter, Chera Ganger shares the same disposition. Chera’s son, Jeremy also has this history as well as alcoholism. James Buchan and his son, Derward who already passed away, are both affected with alcohol abuse. In here all four generations are influenced when it comes to alcoholism whereas three generations are involved concerning depression histories.

Regarding depression, a number of convincing studies point out the relevance of genetic influence on affective disorders (Wilkinson, 2007). Chera Ganger could have been affected by the genes of her grandfathers from both sides. This tendency could have also been made worse by her alcoholism. Several literatures state that there is a link between alcohol abuse and depression (DePaulo & Horvitz, 2002). This also holds true for Chera’s grandfather on her father side, James Buchan who also suffers from alcoholism and depression.

Since it is likely that she had observed her deceased father’s drinking habits, this is another explanation for her behavior. It is then no surprise for one of Chera’s sons to have depression and alcoholism. Regarding careers, Sharon King and Evelyn Davidson who belong to the same generation are registered nurses. . According to the research of Miller and his colleagues, the family can significantly influence the career paths of individuals (Spezanno, 2010). This is evident for the policemen in the family.

Seemingly, this profession is handed down from father to son from the third ascending generation and father to daughter in the ego’s generation in the Ganger family. As for Baley, he could have been inspired by his grandmothers’ zeal for healthcare. Vis-a-vis hair color, John Ganger, James King, Sarah Paulk and James Buchan who are all in the third ascending generation have brown hair color. This is passed on to their children, Gerald and Sharon, as well as to their son, Joel. Baley and Jeremy, Joel’s children also have brown hair.

For red heads, mother and son, Ruby Smith and Derward Buchan manifest this trait. Derward’s daughter, Chera, as well as her daughter, Nick, have red hair. Both brown and red colors are apparent in all generations. The study of Rees stated that hair color is primarily genetically determined (2003). Most of the individuals in the genogram have brown hair since this is the most dominant color in their forebears. It is also common knowledge that dark hair is a dominant trait among most populations, whereas blond, light, and red hair colors are recessive traits.

This may explain why there are only four red haired and two blond haired people in the genealogy. Mary Smith and Susan Heath who are both in the third ascending generation are afflicted with cancer. Unfortunately, the son of Mary, Gerald Ganger as well as the daughter of Susan, Evelyn Davidson has the same disease. The daughter of Evelyn, Chera Ganger is also a cancer patient. There have been