Prior research from our cognition laboratory has shown that the implementation of a multiple-perspectives strategy such as the Thought Team may enhance the cognitive benefits obtained from therapeutic or problem-based writing.  Release of inhibition and cognitive restructuring leading to positive affective and conceptual transformations may result from engaging in therapeutic writing activity; consequently, an individual's sense of well being may improve (Clark 1993;Donnelly& Murray 1991; Pennebaker & Francis 1996).  An initial study trained participants to develop and use the Thought Team by selecting a set of imaginary advisors to consult while writing about objective or personal problems. (Atha-Weldon & Dansereau 2000).  Dependent measures were designed to examine whether the restructuring could be heightened by manipulating the problem schema in such a manner.  Analyses indicated significant effects for the type of strategy used and the type of problem explored.  The Thought Team strategy was found to significantly enhance the process of problem-based writing for the dimensions of creativity, enjoyment, insight, and positive impact.  

The initial study implementing the Thought Team and current research to determine the impact of the number of team members have both yielded corroboration for the effectiveness of taking multiple perspectives when writing about personal problems.  The use of two team members while writing was consistently the most beneficial; a sufficient amount of creative ideas could be generated without making the strategy too difficult to accomplish.  The variety of dependent measures taken in these investigations provide converging evidence for the use of multiple perspectives.  The Thought Team strategy functioned as a catalyst to begin writing, and the strategy format helped develop a more coherent representation of the problem.  In addition, participants experienced more creativity while engaged in the Thought Team activity.  In the follow-up questionnaires, participants who had used two or three team members reported continued use of perspective-taking strategies like the Thought Team or new ones of their own.    Moreover, after the writing sessions, those who had used the Thought Team perceived more possible solutions or conclusions to the problem.

One factor for the general acceptability for the Thought Team strategy may be the dramatic increase in the popularity of role-playing games and exercises in clinical settings, classrooms, and the culture at large.  Use of the Thought Team allows for a momentary release of reality constraints, venting, recall of forgotten details, and a broader problem schema.  Numerous academic and applied possibilities exist for the utilization of perspective taking to increase creativity and insight.