Newson, Martha ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7700-9562, Peitz, Linus ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7256-6968, Cunliffe, Jack and Whitehouse, Harvey (2025) Sports-based interventions fostering positive identity formation in prison: insights from the Twinning Project. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology. ISSN 1052-9284 (Print), 1099-1298 (Online) (In Press)

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Abstract

For the formerly incarcerated, transitioning from criminal to law-abiding identities is particularly challenging, especially for those from highly stigmatized groups who are often excluded from mainstream social networks. The Twinning Project, an intervention pairing prisons with local sports clubs, provides people in prison with opportunities to form connections within a community that promotes healthy lifestyles and pro-social values while offering qualifications in coaching skills. This study conducted longitudinal surveys with 400 British inmates participating in the Twinning Project. The surveys focused on two pathways to social bonding: attachment and personal transformation. Both factors were linked to enhanced social bonding, as personal transformation predicted identity fusion, and attachment predicted identification over time. Our findings highlight the potential of community-based interventions in fostering positive social identities and reducing reoffending rates. This research offers insights into how structured programs can facilitate personal change and social reintegration, ultimately contributing to safer communities. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article’s Community and Social Impact Statement.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	identity fusion, attachment, transformative experiences, social identity theory, prison, soccer, sport
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > Institute for Lifecourse Development > Centre for Inequalities Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	28 May 2025 09:55
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/50615

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