A Grounded Theory of Fitness Training and Sports Participation in Young Adult Male Offenders

Abstract

Research has underscored the need to generate a clear and coherent theoretical underpinning relating to the social processes attached to involvement in fitness training and organized sports when engaging in young adult offender community reintegration supports. The research utilized a collective and instrumental case study approach to explore the learning and associational experiences of Irish young adult male offenders' participation in fitness training and organized sports during community reintegration. Grounded theory was used to guide and analyze the research, which involved nine in-depth interviews with adult male participants engaging in two community reintegration projects. The emergent theory presents a winding trajectory of prior positive experiences with sports during childhood, rejection of positive leisure activities while engaging in substance use and crime, and the importance of fitness training and sports in providing a new pro-social identity and daily routine while reintegrating. Solitary and compulsive participation was common, with certain sports imparting new values, discipline, and coping mechanisms. Findings can be used to improve lifestyle and sports programs designed to support young adult offenders.

Sporting Activities for Individuals Who Experienced Trauma During Their Youth: A Meta-Study

“…In total, 16 1 studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically analyzed using the meta-study methodology presented above. Ten studies examined the impacts of various interventions, which included boxing (van Ingen, 2011, 2016); the use of sport within a disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration camp for ex-combatants (Dyck, 2011); a sport and mental health intervention for a traumatized refugee from a war-torn country (Ley, Rato Barrio, & Koch, 2018); yoga (Rhodes, 2015); a sports-based youth development program for refugees (Whitley, Coble, & Jewell, 2016); and prison-based sport and fitness programs for youth offenders (Andrews & Andrews, 2003; Meek & Lewis, 2014; Parker, Meek, & Lewis, 2014; Van Hout & Phelan, 2014). The remaining six articles explored the role of sporting activities in naturalistic settings.…”

“…The remaining six articles explored the role of sporting activities in naturalistic settings. Seven studies were conducted with individuals who had experienced trauma (Ley et al, 2018; Massey & Whitley, 2016; Ratcliff, Farnworth, & Lentin, 2002; Rhodes, 2015; van Ingen, 2011, 2016; Whitley, Massey, & Wilkison, 2016); five studies included participants who had been displaced, had been exposed in warfare, or were in potentially traumatizing events such as natural disasters or extreme community violence (Dyck, 2011; Sobotova, Safarikova, & Gonzalez Martinex, 2016; Spaaij, 2015; Thorpe, 2016; Whitley, Coble, & Jewell, 2016); and four studies were specific to youth who had disruptions in caregiving as evidence by their placement in the criminal justice systems (Andrews & Andrews, 2003; Meek & Lewis, 2014; Parker et al, 2014; Van Hout & Phelan, 2014). Overall, differences in theoretical and methodological approaches emerged across (and to a smaller degree within) these groupings and are discussed in further detail below.…”

“…A final group of articles did not make connections between philosophy and theory, and often were devoid of theoretical influence. Notably, the studies conducted by Parker et al (2014), Meek and Lewis (2014), and Van Hout and Phelan (2014) did not have a guiding theory or knowledge philosophy, but rather a belief that sporting activities can be used to engage ex-criminal offenders and has intrinsic physical and social benefits. Similarly, Whitley, Coble, and Jewell (2016) guided their work with a professional practice framework (i.e., Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility) with an underlying assumption that sporting activities can promote positive youth development in a population of refugees.…”

“…Notably, the analysis undertaken by Ratcliff et al (2002) was perceived to be a content analysis in the context of the literature rather than a story telling form of analysis as outlined in the purpose. Furthermore, Van Hout and Phelan (2014) positioned their study as a grounded theory, yet there was no new theory proposed or greater understanding of how this study illuminated new relationships, connections, or core constructs.…”

Social inclusion for women experiencing homelessness

“…Similarly, Van Hout and Phelan's (2014) study focused on community reintegration for male offenders through organized sports and physical activity. The authors discussed creating sport programs that have choice, drop-in access, and limited stringent rules to allow for greater inclusion and participation (Van Hout & Phelan, 2014). Understanding the needs of the participants is therefore required in order to foster social inclusion through sportsbased activities.…”