Do Sports Programs Prevent Delinquency and Reduce Reoffending? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

• In Event: Evidence-Based Crime Policy III

Abstract

Sports programs are widely implemented as measures of crime prevention and rehabilitation of offenders. In contrast to the popularity of these programs there is not much systematic knowledge about their effectiveness. Therefore, this meta-analysis has been carried out. We defined eligibility criteria and searched international databases and other sources to locate relevant studies. Only 19 studies met our eligibility criteria, most of which had not well controlled designs. Thirteen studies provided sufficient data for a meta-analytic integration. Eight papers reported crime-related outcomes and seven provided information on psychological outcomes. Crime-related outcomes such as aggressiveness and antisocial behavior were reduced by sports programs (d = 0.48, p < .001) and participants in sports programs also desisted more often from crime than the comparison groups (OR = 2.19, p < .001). Team sports tended to be more effective than individual sports, although both types had a significant effect. Sports programs also reduced stress and depression and improved self-esteem. Sports programs seem to be effective, but more sound evaluations and moderator analyses are necessary.

Authors

• Irina Jugl, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Doris Bender, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

• Friedrich Loesel, University of Cambridge