The Model of the Effect of Sport Participation and Social Support on the Psychological Capital of Prisoners in Western Iran: The Moderating Role of Organizational Climate

Abstract

This study aimed to explain the effects of sport participation and social support on psychological capital among prisoners in western Iran and to examine the moderating role of organizational climate in these relationships. This applied study employed a descriptive-survey design based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population comprised male and female prisoners in Kermanshah, Kurdistan, Ilam, Lorestan, and Hamadan provinces, with an estimated population of approximately 10,000. Based on Cochran’s formula, the minimum sample size was calculated as 370 and increased to 400 to compensate for incomplete questionnaires. Participants were selected using a combination of multistage cluster and convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires assessing sport participation, multidimensional perceived social support, psychological capital, and organizational climate. Pearson correlation, one-way analysis of variance, partial least squares structural equation modeling, and bootstrapping procedures were applied, with SmartPLS used for structural model estimation. Sport participation had a significant positive effect on psychological capital (β=0.438, t=12.042, p<0.001). Social support (β=0.241, t=7.397, p<0.001) and organizational climate (β=0.452, t=11.735, p<0.001) also significantly and positively affected psychological capital. Furthermore, the interaction between sport participation and organizational climate (β=0.304, t=3.172, p<0.001) and the interaction between social support and organizational climate (β=0.327, t=3.269, p<0.001) were significant and positive, confirming the moderating role of organizational climate. The model explained 96.6% of the variance in psychological capital. Psychological capital also differed significantly across organizational climate categories (F=47.62, p<0.001, η²=0.24), with post-hoc comparisons indicating significant differences among supportive, indifferent, and punitive climates. Sport participation and social support are positively associated with prisoners’ psychological capital, while organizational climate both contributes directly to psychological capital and strengthens these relationships. Accordingly, rehabilitation programs may benefit from integrating structured sport participation, stronger social support networks, and a more supportive organizational climate to foster prisoners’ hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism.