Dr Emily Pacheco’s book, ‘Remote Trauma Exposure’, defines a new way of considering the proximity of trauma in relation to global events. Pacheco introduces an important starting point for considering psychological proximity to traumatic events alongside physical proximity. This book defines a novel term for a widespread global phenomenon: Remote Trauma Exposure, which describes the psychological distress that occurs when crises affect places, people, and ‘things’ (such as physical objects or psychosocial dynamics like routines or cultures) that hold deep personal meaning, even when an individual is physically remote from the events. The origins of the book trace back to a deeply impactful moment in Pacheco’s life, when she witnessed the profound impact of the 2016 attempted coup in Türkiye on Turkish international students studying alongside her in Canada. The distress she witnessed was immediate and intense, demonstrating that traumatic events can be experienced directly through deep psychological and relational ties rather than physical proximity alone.In an era where media and digital communication intensify psychological proximity to crisis events, Pacheco argues that the urgency to understand and support affected individuals is growing rapidly. For University leaders, student-facing academic and support staff, counsellors, mental-health professionals, policymakers, and community organisations working with international students, Remote Trauma Exposure will equip them with practical insight into recognising and responding to the phenomenon. Dr. Pacheco is a social and educational psychologist whose research focuses on resilience, identity, and wellbeing in the context of adversity; particularly in under-researched, high-stress environments. This work offers a vital contribution to trauma studies. It reshapes how we understand identity, connection, and global responsibility. Senior Lecturer in Culture and Psychology Remote Trauma Exposure is available to read or purchase now. Links to find out more about the book and the author are available below. Related links Remote Trauma ExposureDr Emily Pacheco Tags 2025 Publication date 18 Dec, 2025
