It Is Because of Our Society, but Inside the Child: Ambiguity in Dutch Youth Health Care Professionals' Understanding of Normalisation

In response to the rising number of children in youth care in the Netherlands, the Dutch Youth Act calls for normalisation, de‐medicalisation and unburdening. The present study investigated the views of physicians and nurses working in youth healthcare on the concept of normalisation. We conducted qualitative research through semi‐structured interviews with 18 youth healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis revealed that the professionals had no clear view of what normalisation is, yet they considered it a key element of their work. In addition, they demonstrated intra‐individual ambiguity in their thinking and acting as professionals, which may stem from the tension between the Dutch policy‐driven ambition to promote normalisation and the dominant biomedical discourse in which they are embedded. Our findings highlight the importance of establishing a shared language and practice regarding the concept of normalisation, more public and professional education about the nature of psychiatric disorders and subsequently the importance of exploring alternative perspectives.