“Exploring the Psychosocial Training for Prisoners and Their Reintegration into Society through Volleyball”

Abstract

Sports can lead to a number of positive outcomes for individuals, and if practiced on a regular basis, they can make the life of inmates that much more bearable. Sports relieve tension and stress and can provide a means of escaping the otherwise oppressive environment of prison. Sport also resists the formation of ‘criminal identities’ among offenders such identities are often created in prison and tend to replace pre-incarceration self-concepts linked, for example, to previous occupation or relationship status. Sport, and the symbolic capital that comes with it, can fuel a healthier alternative identity and avoid the potential internalization of the traditional ‘monstrous’ image of the prisoner. This is important to consider as it can predict behavior upon release and can, in that sense, be related to recidivism. The use of volleyball training and competition for purposes of development has been increasingly important particularly among the prisoners and between policeman and prisoners. However, there is a gap how the game volleyball can be used more productively as a social cohesion among the prisoners of Mekelle city, Tigray region in Ethiopia. The study employed a qualitative research approach and a case study research design. Forty (40) study participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the data saturation points. The collected data were analyzed thematically. The finding of this study showed that  prisoners in  Mekelle city Correctional Center attended a short term volleyball training programs such as training on psychological counseling, physical activities and recreation and cultural activities to develop the social cohesion However, long-term prisoners in Mekelle city correctional centers have faced challenges such as inadequate  of proper physical &psychological training , lack of counseling professionals, Those released have been challenged by several complications during their transition from correctional center to the community. The outcome of the research show there is a significant positive response in social cohesion among the prisoners of Mekelle city.