Sports‐Based Interventions Fostering Positive Identity Formation in Prison: Insights From the Twinning Project

ABSTRACTFor the formerly incarcerated, transitioning from criminal to law‐abiding identities is particularly challenging, especially for those from highly stigmatised 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 programmes can facilitate personal change and social reintegration, ultimately contributing to safer communities.