The 92nd Congress of ACFAS – Dr Gifuni

Please join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 8:35-12:45, for the symposium hosted by Dr. Anthony Gifuni at the 92nd Congress of ACFAS.

The 92nd Congress of ACFAS, to be held from May 5 to 9, 2025 in Montreal on the campus of the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS), is the largest multidisciplinary scientific gathering in the French-speaking world. Each year, the event attracts thousands of researchers and offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest scientific advances across a multitude of disciplines. Organized by ÉTS in collaboration with Concordia University, this year’s theme is Research at the heart of technological and social solutions.

Title: Repairing human ruptures: from rejection to acceptance, from conflict to cohesion

Summary : The human being is fundamentally a social species, whose survival and development depend on interpersonal bonds. When these bonds break down, they are at the root of many clinical problems. These breakdowns, at various stages of development, are the subject of empirical studies ranging from neuroscience to anthropology. From childhood onwards, emotional difficulties are associated with pathological family dynamics. In adolescence, the harmful impact of social exclusion can lead to suicidal behavior. Even the violent radicalization of young people can be seen as the manifestation of a sense of social breakdown. For adults, social isolation, sometimes linked to homelessness, is a major issue in modern urban contexts, while romantic break-ups are often the cause of psychological distress. Sexual minorities, for their part, suffer from stigmatization, another form of rupture between the individual and society, leading to a state of chronic stress. Finally, the rapid evolution of digital technologies has transformed the way individuals interact, posing new challenges, particularly in intimate relationships. These issues, though varied, converge around the central theme of human ruptures and their repercussions on mental health. Their collective study opens the way to innovative interventions that take account of biological, psychological and social dimensions. These clinical challenges call for a holistic approach to the individual, including his or her link with the social fabric. Whether it’s helping teenagers rebuild their social ties or reintegrating marginalized people, interventions must be flexible and multidimensional. In short, it is by recognizing human beings as intrinsically linked to their social environment that effective solutions can emerge.

Location : ETS – Building E, Room E-4025