Studies on the association between job satisfaction and depression have often been reported. However, no study has examined how job satisfaction impacts depression while considering satisfaction with other aspects of life. In this study, we evaluated the effect of job satisfaction on depression after adjusting for satisfaction with other domains of life.

We used data from the 16th wave of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. A total of 3568 current employees without depression who completed a survey were included. Depression was measured using the abbreviated version of the CES-D scale. Various types of satisfaction, including job satisfaction, were measured using single-item questions and a 5-point Likert scale. The association between job satisfaction and depression after considering satisfaction with other life domains was analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model.

Crude models showed a significant association between job satisfaction and depression in males (odds ratio [OR]: 7.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11–15.23) and females (OR: 7.12; 95% CI: 4.40–11.50). When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and work-related factors, the association remained significant in males (OR: 6.20; 95% CI: 3.10–12.41) and females (OR: 6.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.79–10.40). However, when satisfaction with other life domains was included, the association remained significant only in females (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.93–6.50).

This study shows an association between job satisfaction and depression in Korean employees. However, when satisfaction with other life domains was considered, this association remained significant only in women. Regular screening of job satisfaction should be considered as a means of preventing and managing depression among female employees.