Vincent Santiago’s research interests include eating behaviors, body image, and bariatric surgery. Vincent’s doctoral dissertation explores the use of an intervention for food addiction (the concept that individuals can be addicted to foods, particularly highly processed foods). This intervention combines Adapted Motivational Interviewing, a person-centered counseling approach, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills for eating-related issues and will be tested in a randomized controlled trial.
Vincent’s Master’s thesis explored psychosocial factors (i.e., adult attachment style, emotion regulation, and psychopathology) related to cigarette smoking following bariatric surgery. For his undergraduate thesis, he studied the influence of video messages on healthier eating among students who engaged in restrained and unrestrained eating. He previously worked in research positions at Toronto Western Hospital’s Bariatric Surgery Program and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
Clinical Interests
Vincent’s clinical interests include the assessment and treatment of various mental health issues, including eating disorders, anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety disorder), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Vincent is particularly interested in using approaches from CBT, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Vincent has completed practicum placements at 1) the Psychology Training Clinic within the Department of Family and Community Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital; 2) the Intensive Residential and Day Treatment Program for OCD at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre; and 3) the Day Hospital Treatment, Eating Disorder Program at Toronto General Hospital. Vincent is also involved as a study therapist in clinical trials providing CBT related to post-bariatric surgery issues, as well as social anxiety disorder, substance use, and HIV sexual risk behavior.
Professional and Community Involvement
Vincent is committed to fostering the growth of psychology and those interested in the field. He is involved in mentorship programs with undergraduates, graduate students, and early career psychologists as part of the Ryerson Psychology Graduate Students’ Association (PGSA), the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), and the American Psychological Association (APA). He is also serving a 2-year term as a Student Representative in the Psychologists in Hospitals and Health Centres section of the CPA.
Vincent co-organized the inaugural “Diversifying Psychology Recruitment Event” at Ryerson in 2020. The goal of this event was to provide more information about applying to graduate school for students from traditionally underrepresented groups, particularly students identifying as Black, Indigenous, and a Person of Colour. Vincent also volunteers in LGBTQ+ organizations that offer peer support, workshops, and social activities in the community.
