Thompson’s research focuses on how relationships affect the ability of children to develop and regulate their emotions. He also applies his research to public policy concerning school, mental health policies and research ethics. Thompson has a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Michigan and has received extensive honors and awards for his work. His two most recent honors were an award for Research Accomplishments on Behalf of Child Development Programs from the California Child Development Administrators Association in 2009, and the Ann L. Brown Award for Excellence in Developmental Research in 2007. Thompson has also authored numerous books about children’s emotional health including Preventing Child Maltreatment Through Social Support: A Critical Analysis (1995), The Postdivorce Family (1999) and Toward a Child-Centered, Neighborhood-Based Child Protection System (2002). He is currently working on a book titled Early Brain Development, The Media, and Public Policy.