Final answer:
Petra often experiences anxiety in challenging work situations; her ideal state is a balance between this and boredom, known as flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Petra, a new manager for a household products company, frequently experiences anxiety, especially in high-pressure situations like presenting new products to top executives. The psychologist Csikszentmihalyi's research suggests that her ideal state would be an emotional zone between anxiety and boredom, known as flow. This state is characterized by deep engagement and enjoyment in one's activities, where challenges are well-matched with one's skills. An important aspect of work-related stress and its effects on performance is the notion that a certain amount of pressure can be a positive, motivating force (eustress), but too much pressure leads to distress, which can manifest as job burnout, anxiety, and decrease in performance.