ABSTRACT
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.