**2.1. Different approaches to the study of creativity**

Creativity constitutes a complex and elusive concept which remains difficult to explore. It has been studied through the lens of different paradigms, for example, pragmatic, psychodynamic, psychometric, cognitive and evolutionary approaches [9]. Some of those have brought valuable contributions to the understanding of creativity; nevertheless they do not allow for a holistic approach of the phenomenon. Hence, several theories attempted to explore its different dimensions in a comprehensive manner.

For instance, Csikszentmihalyi [10] described creativity as the result of a system composed of three distinct elements: (a) the *domain*, which contains a specific set of rules and practices; (b) the *individual,* who produces a novel variation in the content of the domain through cognitive processes, personality traits and motivation; this variation is evaluated by (c) the *field* for its inclusion in the domain.

Furthermore, Rhodes [11] developed the four P's model, which places creativity at the interplay of four distinct strands, i.e. process (the different stages of a creative activity), person (the characteristics of individuals), press (the qualities of the environment where creativity happens) and product (the tangible or intangible outcomes of the creative process). Rhodes' classification has become a major framework for the holistic exploration of creativity. The next subsections examine the four components in the light of influential theories of creativity.
