The Influence of Sports on the Mental Rehabilitation of Correctional Inmates in the Kogi State of Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed and analyzed the influence of sport on the rehabilitation of correctional inmates in the Kogi state of Nigeria. The study population comprises about 2,500 selected correctional from the state's three geopolitical zones: Kogi-west, Kogi-east, and Kogi-central. A total of five hundred (500) subjects were randomly selected from correctional inmates of the state. The instrument used for the study was a well-developed and validated questionnaire that contains forty-five (45) items. One hypothesis was formulated to direct the study using one sample employed in testing the hypothesis on the influence of participation in sports on correctional inmates' mental rehabilitation. The outcome of the study revealed that the respondents were of the opinion that participation in sports has a positive influence on the mental rehabilitation of the inmates. As a way forward, sporting activities should be made mandatory for correctional inmates. The outcome of the study revealed that the respondents were of the opinion that sports participation positively influences the inmates' mental rehabilitation. As a way forward, sporting activities should be made mandatory for correctional inmates as such would influence their mental behavior and development.