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 44.2%
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