Which aspect does creative incubation primarily leverage?

Creative incubation primarily leverages a period of distraction from the problem. This concept suggests that stepping away from a challenging issue allows the subconscious mind to continue processing information and making connections that may not be evident during periods of intense focus.

When individuals give themselves this break, they often find that insights or solutions come to them more naturally upon returning to the problem. This process is important in creativity as it highlights how solutions can emerge not through constant active engagement, but rather through a more relaxed state where the mind can wander and explore ideas freely.

The other options emphasize aspects of problem-solving that may not effectively facilitate the creative process. For instance, intense focus can lead to mental fatigue and blockages, deliberate practice of skills is beneficial for honing specific abilities but does not necessarily promote creative breakthroughs, and immediate brainstorming can result in surface-level ideas without the depth that incubation often cultivates.