CRS Seminar: Remote Conflict Stress – how on-going violence in origin countries affects wellbeing

October 8, 2025

1:00-2:30pm (Toronto)

This is a hybrid event

In person: 626 Kaneff Tower, Keele Campus, York University

Virtually: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/8NVyKk5uS8-mSexoZOzsxw

Guest speaker:  Emily LeRoux-Rutledge, Assistant Professor in Social Psychology at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, UK

Abstract:

This seminar will introduce the theory of Remote Conflict Stress developed by Dr. LeRoux-Rutledge and Dr. Carmen Lienen, which will be illustrated with qualitative data from the South Sudanese diaspora in both Canada and the UK.

While previous research has examined the wellbeing impacts of past experiences of violence in origin countries, and present-day challenges in destination countries, little research has examined the wellbeing impacts of present-day violence in origin countries, which continues to affect diaspora communities remotely. This is theorized as Remote Conflict Stress, and is conceptualized as having distinct, but interrelated impacts at the individual, interpersonal, and community levels. At the individual level, our data suggest impacts on emotional wellbeing, mental health, financial wellbeing and the ability to pursue desired futures. At the interpersonal level, our data show impacts on transnational relationships, as well as the relationships between family members living together in diaspora. At the community level, the data demonstrate an effect on community cohesion and community capacity to support its members—although there is hope for the development of community resilience. Supplementary qualitative interviews with mental health practitioners and community workers suggest that they corroborate these findings, but are at a loss as to how to address them. 

Bio:

Dr. Emily LeRoux-Rutledge is an Assistant Professor in Social Psychology at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol, UK, and Chair of the UWE Global Migration Network. Currently on sabbatical, she is a Visiting Scholar at York University’s Centre for Refugee Studies (CRS) in 2025/2026. Her areas of research include refugee wellbeing, refugee identity, media narratives about refugees, and public representations of refugees. She also conducts research in collaboration with refugee support organisations to improve services for displaced communities, and each year she convenes the UK-based Asylum Seeker and Refugee Wellbeing Conference, bringing together academics, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and local government. Prior to completing her doctorate at the London School of Economics in 2017, she worked in international development, and has conducted research in more than 25 countries. She is originally from Canada, but has also lived in Kenya, France, the UK and Bangladesh.