Benjamin Sigsworth

Benjamin is an ILD/VC scholar at the University of Greenwich, working across developmental psychology, early years education, quantitative methods and child wellbeing. His doctoral project, ‘Sharing Tales that Teach’, examines whether home-based shared picturebook reading can support emotion regulation and executive function in children aged 4 to 5 years.

His research uses a longitudinal cohort design with an embedded randomised controlled trial. The project will involve caregiver-child dyads completing baseline assessments and being followed up one year later. Within this wider cohort, a subgroup of dyads will be invited to take part in an embedded RCT examining the developmental value of caregiver-led shared reading, with particular attention to children’s early social, emotional and cognitive development. The project reflects his broader interest in accessible, family-based approaches to early intervention, school readiness and child wellbeing.

He completed an MSc in Psychology with Distinction and a First Class BA (Hons) in Primary Education, both at the University of Greenwich. His MSc research, funded by the Institute for Lifecourse Development, investigated adverse childhood experiences and executive function through a preregistered online experimental study with 435 participants. This work has since led to a first-author Q1 publication in Adversity and Resilience Science.

In addition to his research, he has taught research methods and statistics, supported MSc students with quantitative analysis, delivered teaching on the BA Primary Education programme and worked as an admissions interviewer. He also brings leadership experience from the charity sector, including previous service as Chair of the Board of Trustees for a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs.