The factor that appears to be the most direct cause of social anxiety is ______.

A) self-presentational motivation
B) self-monitoring
C) social self-efficacy
D) negative outcome expectancies

Studies have shown that individuals with social anxiety tend to have negative outcome expectancies, meaning they anticipate negative outcomes and reactions in social situations. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and heightened anxiety when faced with them. While self-presentational motivation, self-monitoring, and social self-efficacy may also contribute to social anxiety, negative outcome expectancies have been found to be the most direct cause.