Metaphors as a means of understanding staff-resident relationships. 
Three metaphors were examined as a means of understanding staff-resident relationships in the field of mental retardation.  The organic and mechanical metaphors that have dominated beliefs and attitudes in this field were reviewed and critiqued.  The personal metaphor that provides an image and understanding of residents not as animals or machines but as persons was examined.  The two principal aspects of the personal metaphor--agency and relationship--were presented with a view toward understanding their implications in the area of staff-resident relationships.