J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2011 Mar;20(1):81-90. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2011.20.1.81.

Communication abilities, Interpersonal Relationship, Anxiety, and Depression in Korean Soldiers

• Kim S
• Kim HL
• Woo C
• Park S
• Keum R

• KMID: 2201676
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2011.20.1.81

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to explore status and level of communication ability, interpersonal relationships, anxiety, and depression in Korean soldiers and identify factors that influence depression.
METHODS
A cross sectional study design was employed. The instruments were PCI (Primary Communication Inventory), RCS (Relationship Change Scale), STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), and CES-D (The Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale). Data were collected from 961 soldiers from Gyeong-gi Province and analyzed using SPSS/WIN 17.0 program.
RESULTS
The mean score for PCS, RCS were 87.0+/-11.43; and 98.8+/-14.17 respectfully and for STAI-I (state-anxiety), and STAI-II (trait-anxiety), 34.7+/-10.36; and 36.6+/-9.64 respectfully, and for CES-D, 11.2+/-7.0. Of the participants 22.2% were in the clinical group for depression. Major variables showing significant correlations were family intimacy, intimacy with friends or colleague, and inconvenience in not being able to use computer or internet. STAI-II, intimacy with friends or colleague, STAI-I accounted for 44.2double dagger of the variance in depression.
CONCLUSION
The study results suggest that a systemic approach needed to relieve soldiers' anxiety and depression. Development of program for communication training, activities for leisure and interpersonal relationship during military life could contribute to lessening depression and anxiety in solder.

Keyword

Communication abilities; Interpersonal relationship; Anxiety; Depression; Soldiers

MeSH Terms

Anxiety*
Communication*
Depression*
Friends
Humans
Internet
Leisure Activities
Military Personnel*

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