This study was designed to develop and lest a structural model for paternal adaplation and family stress in the families with the handicapped children. A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of 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 subject of the study constituted 190 mothers whose children admitted in the five special schools and one privale institutes in Seoul and Choong Nam. In data analysis, SPSS PC+ and PC-LISREL 7.13 computer program were utilized for descriptive and covariance structure analysis. The results of lhe study were as follows. (1) Hypothetical model showed a good fit to the empirical data [Chi-square = 21.19 (df = 7, P = o. 003), Goodness of Fit Index=O.986, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Indes=0.946, Root Mean Square lesidual=0.048), Non Normed Fit Index = 0.80, Normed Fit Index=0.91]. (2) The results of Hypothesis testing indicated: 1) Social support(${gamma}_11=.238$, T=2.352), Family Functioning(${gamma}_12=.729$, T=5.957) had direct effects on situational definition. 2) life event stress(${gamma}_23=.284$, T=5.220) had direct effects on the effect of the handicapped chid on the family. 3) Family functioning(${gamma}_32=-.239$, T= -3.370) had direct effects on paternal adapation. From the above results, the significance of this study can be delineated as follows : The construction and testing of the comprehensive model seem to be the first trial in Korea. The model was supported by empirical dala. Thus it was suggested that model could be adequately applied to framily nusing care with the handicapped.