Which of the following statements about the Theory of Flow is true?

The Theory of Flow, developed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, describes a mental state where individuals experience complete immersion and engagement in an activity. This state is characterized by a balance between the level of challenge presented by the task and the individual's skills. When the challenge is balanced with skill, individuals tend to experience heightened focus, control, and enjoyment, leading to optimal performance and satisfaction.

In this context, the idea that flow requires a balance between challenge and skill is central to achieving this state of deep engagement. If a task is too easy, boredom can set in, and if it is too difficult, anxiety can occur, both of which prevent the experience of flow.

The other statements do not align with the core principles of the Theory of Flow. For example, flow is intrinsically motivated and is not dependent on external rewards, which are emphasized in other frameworks of motivation. Flow can be experienced in various settings, not solely in competitive environments, and it is not a tool for assessing student grades but rather describes a psychological experience conducive to learning and achievement.