Jean Phinney is a prominent psychologist known for her work in the field of identity development and social psychology. She is particularly recognized for her research on the concept of identity status, which explores how individuals form their identities during adolescence and young adulthood. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding how personal and social factors influence identity formation. Phinney's research often focuses on the experiences of ethnic and cultural minorities, examining how these factors shape identity. She developed the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM), a tool used to assess ethnic identity among diverse populations. Her contributions have been influential in both academic and practical applications in psychology.