Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Thanks for asking: Adolescent attitudes and preferences regarding the use of chaperones during physical examinations
Renee Morgan1, Debra K Katzman2, Miriam Kaufman1
1Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children;; University of Toronto;
Background:
There is no uniformity as to how and when chaperones should be used for general and intimate (genitalia and/or breasts) physical examinations of adolescents.
Objective:
To explore adolescents' attitudes and preferences regarding the use of medical chaperones during physical examinations.
Methods:
The present analysis was a cross-sectional descriptive study performed as part of a quality improvement project in the Adolescent Medicine Clinics at The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario) between January 1 and April 30, 2011. Adolescents 13 to 18 years of age completed an anonymous 10-item, self-administered questionnaire regarding their thoughts on chaperones during physical examinations. Demographic and descriptive data were collected.
Results:
A total of 127 adolescents participated in the present study. The mean (± SD) age was 16.3±1.5 years and the majority (93.7%) were female. More than one-half (61%) of female adolescents had previous experience with an intimate examination; however, a chaperone was present only 36% of the time. Seventy percent of female adolescents wanted the choice of a chaperone for a general examination compared with 61% for an intimate examination. Among female adolescents with past chaperone experience, 78% wanted the choice of a chaperone for subsequent intimate examinations, compared with 55% among those with no previous chaperone experience. Only 21% believed they would ask for a chaperone if one were not offered.
Conclusions:
Although there was variation in adolescents' attitudes and preferences regarding the use of chaperones, many females indicated a desire to discuss the option of a chaperone for all types of examinations.
More Related Videos
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
06:04Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood
Surveys
Conformity
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....