Purpose: This study was done to develop and test a structural model for caregiving experience including caregiving satisfaction and caregivingstrain in families providing care for family members with a mental disorder. Methods: The Stress-appraisal-coping model was usedas the conceptual framework and the structural equation model to confirm the path that explains what and how variables affect caregivingexperience in these families. In this hypothesis model, exogenous variables were optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty. The endogenousvariables were self efficacy, social support, caregiving satisfaction and caregiving strain. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Results: Optimism and caregiving self-efficacy had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving satisfaction. Optimism,severity of illness and uncertainty had significant direct and indirect effects on caregiving strain. The modified path model explained effectsof optimism on caregiving self-efficacy with social support in the path structure as a mediator. Also, there were direct and indirect effects ofoptimism and uncertainty on caregiving satisfaction with social support and caregiving self-efficacy in the path structure as a mediators. Conclusion: Results suggest the need to improve caregiving self-efficacy of these families, establish support systems such as a mentalhealth professional support programs for caregiving self-efficacy. Optimism, severity of illness and uncertainty perceived by families needto be considered in the development of support programs in order to increase their effectiveness.