The Implications of Structured Physical and Sports Activity Programs in Reducing Aggressiveness in Prisoners – A Systematic Review Analysis

Abstract

Structured and purposeful physical activity has demonstrated significant effects on personality traits and behaviors among offenders, especially in reducing maladaptive behaviors. The European Prison Rules strongly advocate for all prisoners to have regular access to organized sports and physical education. This systematic review aims to emphasize the role of physical activity in enhancing inmates’ ability to control aggression, which in turn boosts their chances of successful social reintegration and lowers the risk of recidivism by improving self-esteem and locus of control. The review included eight relevant studies sourced from scientific platforms, analyzing research published between 2000 and 2023. The studies targeted both adult and young male and female inmates, regardless of their ethnicity, all of whom participated in structured physical education and sports programs within a prison environment. These programs varied in terms of physical activity, focusing on resistance and strength training, and were consistently associated with reduced aggression, improved self-esteem, and other benefits directly related to life in detention. Through the redirection of aggressive impulses and the enhancement of self-esteem and locus of control, physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing and reducing the harmful consequences of aggressive behavior in incarcerated populations.

Keywords

• physical activity
• sports
• prison
• aggression control
• self-esteem
• locus of control