Soccer Intervention Improves Behavior in Prisons
Author Information
Author(s): Martha Newson, Linus Peitz, Jack Cunliffe, Harvey Whitehouse
Primary Institution: University of Oxford
Hypothesis
Can positive group bonds through a soccer-based intervention improve behaviors among incarcerated individuals?
Conclusion
The Twinning Project significantly reduced prison adjudications and improved community attitudes towards formerly incarcerated individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Participation in the Twinning Project reduced prison adjudications by 50%.
- Social bonding was linked to improved behavior within prison.
- Communities showed increased willingness to support re-integration efforts for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Takeaway
Playing soccer in prison can help people behave better and make it easier for them to find jobs when they get out.
Methodology
The study compared behaviors of participants in the Twinning Project with a matched control group using adjudications and self-harm incidents.
Potential Biases
Potential biases in participant selection and the influence of external factors on behavior.
Limitations
The study may not reflect the experiences of all incarcerated individuals due to the sample being relatively well-behaved and optimistic.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily male, with a mean age of 31, and included various ethnic backgrounds.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.039
Confidence Interval
95% CI = -0.311 to -0.008
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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