Fear of negative evaluation (FNE) is a hallmark feature of social anxiety disorder (SAD). There is also evidence that people with SAD fear receiving positive evaluation, and that fear of positive evaluation (FPE) is distinct from FNE. However, researchers have speculated that concerns related to negative evaluation may actually underlie FPE. This study sought to advance our understanding of FPE by employing both quantitative and qualitative methods to assess the reasons underlying participants’ endorsement of FPE on the Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale (FPES; Weeks, Heimberg, & Rodebaugh, 2008) and the extent to which these reasons reflect FNE versus FPE in a sample of individuals with SAD (n = 47) and a nonclinical comparison group (n = 49). To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.