Extrinsic and Intrinsic Determinants of Depression and Mental Well-Being among Korean Army Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers

Background: Despite growing concerns about the mental health of professional military personnel, little is known about protective factors for mental health among military officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs). The present study aimed to examine the differential and interaction effects of extrinsic and intrinsic protective factors on depression and mental well-being among Korean professional military personnel. Methods: A total of 500 Korean officers and NCOs completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed extrinsic factors (salary satisfaction, work environment satisfaction), intrinsic factors (occupational calling, positive appraisals of military service), and the two mental health outcomes. Results: Hierarchical regression revealed that higher work environment satisfaction was independently associated with lower depression (t = −2.54, p < 0.05), while salary satisfaction was positively related to mental well-being (t = 2.58, p < 0.05). Intrinsic factors were more robust predictors; higher occupational calling and positive appraisals were significantly associated with lower depression (t = −2.33, p < 0.05 and t = −6.05, p < 0.001, respectively) and higher well-being (t = 10.52 and t = 7.16, p < 0.001, respectively). Moderation analyses further demonstrated that salary satisfaction statistically but marginally amplified the protective effects of intrinsic factors on mental health. These results underscore the importance of simultaneously considering both external and internal factors when promoting mental health among professional military personnel. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that while both extrinsic and intrinsic factors are essential, intrinsic resources including occupational calling and positive appraisals serve as more robust and consistent primary buffers against psychological distress. Extrinsic rewards like salary satisfaction can play a synergistic role in amplifying the protective effects of these internal motivators. Therefore, the mental health of professional military personnel is best maintained through a holistic strategy that prioritizes cultivating internal resilience and an organizational culture centered on finding profound meaning and value in service.