Emily A.P. Haigh

I am Anishinaabe-Métis from Robinson Huron Treaty Territory (mother) and English/Scottish (father).  I was born in Toronto and prior to joining UVic I spent the past 20 years studying and working in the United States. I am grateful for the opportunity to live and work on the beautiful territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples.

My research background and clinical training largely reflects a Western science approach to understanding vulnerability to depression and self-injurious behaviors (suicide and non-suicidal self-injury).  Specifically, my work has relied upon cognitive-behavioral models that consider how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact to increase risk for depression and self-injurious behaviors.

With humility, I have begun taking steps to refocus my work to center Indigenous knowledges and approaches to mental health and wellbeing. In line with UVic’s commitment to truth, respect, and reconciliation, I am honoured to serve as the inaugural Chief Mungo Martin Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health. Through engagement with Indigenous partners and communities, my goal is to make positive impacts in Indigenous mental health and wellbeing through community-based research, teaching, clinical training, and mentorship.

Representative Publications

Moore, M. T., Lau, M. A., Haigh, E. A. P., Willett, B. R., Yu, A. R., Bosma, C. M., Fresco, D. M. (2022). The Association Between Decentering and Reductions in Relapse/Recurrence in Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy for Depression in Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 90 (2), 137-147. https://doi.org/10.1037/ccp0000718

Haigh, E.A.P., Bogucki, O.E., Dearborn, P., Robbins, M. & Elias, M.F. (2018). The Prospective Relationship Between Depression and Cardiovascular Events in Older Adults: Findings from the Maine Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Journal of Health Psychology, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105318782375     

Haigh, E. A. P., Bogucki, O. E., Sigmon, S. T., & Blazer, D. G. (2018). Depression among Older Adults: a 20-Year Update on Five Common Myths and Misconceptions. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(1), 107-122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2017.06.011

Beck, A. T., & Haigh, E. A. P. (2014). Advances in cognitive theory and therapy: The generic cognitive model. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153734

Disner, S. G., Beevers, C. G., Haigh, E.A.P., & Beck, A. T. (2011). Neural mechanisms of the cognitive model of depression. Nature Review Neuroscience, 12(8), 467-477. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3027