Among girls, perceived ability to be physically active (self-efficacy) and intention to exercise (measured by reported intention to exercise regularly in the future, to stay in good physical shape, and to participate in organized sport in the next school year) at baseline predicted physical activity 16 months later.

A second study (DiLorenzo, Stucky-Ropp, Vander Wal, & Gotham, 1998) followed 54 girls and 57 boys for three years beginning in the 5th and 6th grades. The study participants were predominately Caucasian and from middle class families. Consistent with the study described above, baseline self-efficacy for physical activity was predictive of physical activity at follow-up among adolescent girls.