Viewing negative emotions as toxic is associated with poorer psychological outcomes.

= 476), we validate the B-NETS and link higher B-NETS scores with greater irritability, depression, and anxiety. These associations remained significant even after accounting for existing emotion belief, emotion regulation, and experiential avoidance measures. If replicated, especially in non-U.S. samples with greater racial and ethnic diversity, these findings suggest this new measure may provide unique information about mental health beyond existing measures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).