This volume presents contributions of European and North American researchers sharing an interest in generative forms of thinking and in deployable mental resources. The special emphasis of this book is highlighting the close links that exist between apparently heterogeneous psychological domains such as basis research on memory and reasoning strategies, social cognition studies on knowledge activation and use, and research on cognitive processes in aging, depression, and anxiety. These integrative chapters not only deal with many intriguing topics concerning generative mental processes and their situational and individual constraints but also inform the reader about a variety of modern methodological instruments (to mention just a few - multinomial modelling, dual task paradigm, priming procedures, and time-accuracy functions). The book is directed to advanced students and to active researchers in many psychological disciplines (cognitive, social, and clinical) who will appreciate this sourcebook for a deeper understanding of how higher order mental strategies may serve adaptive functions.