About the Author

Summary

Ross A. Thompson is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis, where he directs the Social and Emotional Development Lab. Thompson studies the psychological development of young children, parent-child relationships, and the applications of developmental science to public policy problems such as early childhood mental health, child poverty, maltreatment prevention, and early education. His work integrates understanding of the developing brain with early experiences in both typical and at-risk children, and he consults extensively with legislative committees, public agencies, and private foundations.