Examining the Relationship Among Parental Stress, Knowledge, and Family Empowerment for Latinx Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Latinx parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face unique challenges, including heightened stress, limited access to resources, and systemic barriers. This study explores the relationships among parental stress, knowledge of special education, and family empowerment using structural equation modeling. Data were collected from 96 Latinx parents participating in a culturally responsive advocacy training program. Results revealed that greater knowledge was associated with increased empowerment but also heightened stress, reflecting the dual-edged nature of knowledge acquisition. Empowerment, however, mitigated stress related to dysfunctional parent-child interactions and a difficult child. These findings underscore the need for culturally responsive interventions that balance knowledge building with stress management, promoting resilience and empowerment among Latinx families navigating the complexities of raising children with IDD.