This study was designed to develop and test a structural model for maternal adaptation and family stress in families with mentally handicapped children. A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of the family stress theory developed by McCubbin etc. The model included 6 theoretical concepts and 11 paths. For the purpose of the model testing, empirical data were collected from May to August, 1992. The subjects of the study constituted 190 mothers of children in five special schools and one private institute in Seoul and Choong Nam. An SPSS PC＋ and PC－LISREL 7.13 computer programs were used for descriptive and covariance structure analysis. The results of the study were as follows. (1) The hypothetical model showed itself a good fit to the empirical data ［Chi - square＝18.35(df＝7, P＝0.005), Goodness of Fit Index＝0.991, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index＝0.959, Root Mean Square Residual＝0.042), Non Normed Fit Index＝0.90, Normed Fit Index＝0.96］. (2) The results of Hypothesis testing indicated : 1) Social support(${gamma}$$_{11}$＝.238, T＝2.352), Family functioning(${gamma}$$_{12}$＝.729, T＝5.957) and Family life event stress(${gamma}$$_{13}$＝.125) had direct effects on situational definition. 2) Life event stress(${gamma}$$_{23}$＝.319, T＝3.872) had direct effects on the effect of the handicapped child on the family. Family functioning(${gamma}$$_{22}$＝-.245) and situational definition($eta$$_{21}$＝-.335, T＝3.227) had direct effects on the effect of the handicapped child on the family. 3) Situational definition($eta$$_{31}$＝-.273, T＝3.493), family life event stress (${gamma}$$_{33}$＝.124, T＝2.169) and the effect of the handicapped child on the family($eta$$_{32}$＝.264, T＝-3.227) showed the direct effect on the maternal adaptation. The model was supported by the empirical data. Thus it was suggested that the model could be applied to family nursing care with the families with the mentally handicapped. The construction and testing of the comprehensive model seem to be the first trial in Korea.a.a.a.