Identifying the strongest self-report predictors of sexual satisfaction using machine learning

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State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: CC BY 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_83D957843266
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Identifying the strongest self-report predictors of sexual satisfaction using machine learning
Journal
Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Author(s)
Vowels Laura M., Vowels Matthew J., Mark Kristen P.
ISSN
0265-4075
1460-3608
Publication state
Published
Issued date
11/01/2022
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Pages
026540752110470
Language
english
Abstract
Sexual satisfaction has been robustly associated with relationship and individual well-being. Previous studies have found several individual (e.g., gender, self-esteem, and attachment) and relational (e.g., relationship satisfaction, relationship length, and sexual desire) factors that predict sexual satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to identify which variables are the strongest, and the least strong, predictors of sexual satisfaction using modern machine learning. Previous research has relied primarily on traditional statistical models which are limited in their ability to estimate a large number of predictors, non-linear associations, and complex interactions. Through a machine learning algorithm, random forest (a potentially more flexible extension of decision trees), we predicted sexual satisfaction across two samples (total N = 1846; includes 754 individuals forming 377 couples). We also used a game theoretic interpretation technique, Shapley values, which allowed us to estimate the size and direction of the effect of each predictor variable on the model outcome. Findings showed that sexual satisfaction is highly predictable (48–62% of variance explained) with relationship variables (relationship satisfaction, importance of sex in relationship, romantic love, and dyadic desire) explaining the most variance in sexual satisfaction. The study highlighted important factors to focus on in future research and interventions.
Keywords
Sexual satisfaction, machine learning, random forests, Shapley values
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
08/04/2022 13:47
Last modification date
24/09/2023 5:57
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