Friction-Maxxing Higher Ed
Christian colleges and universities are helping students reduce anxiety and increase resilience by guiding them through frictional experiences. This approach, known as friction-maxxing, involves intentionally choosing small, safe inconveniences that build tolerance for discomfort and bring joy.
Professors at Christian institutions are encountering students with habits of fear, anxiety, and lack of risk-taking. Mental health is declining among adolescents, with increasing social unease and diminishing resilience. Friction-maxxing is a practice that involves intentionally choosing small, safe inconveniences to build tolerance for discomfort. In a college setting, this can include attending office hours or taking a class outside of one's major. Christian colleges are using this approach to help students negotiate faith and intellectual pursuits. Programs like the Emmaus Scholars program at Hope College require weekly prayer and spiritual learning, while study abroad courses at Bethel University push students to encounter the world in new ways. These experiences help students engage deeply and persist despite friction. By leaning into friction, students can develop resilience and improve their mental health.
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