The idea that 'human beings dislike psychological inconsistency and strive to reduce it' is proposed in:

In the world of professional hockey, the long-standing rivalry between Alex Carter and Dmitri Volkov began as an intense contest defined by skill, national pride, and the pressure to outperform one another. To fans and teammates, they appeared to be driven solely by victory and reputation. However, away from the public eye, their relationship took an unexpected turn, creating tension between how they were seen and how they experienced themselves. Constant media attention and rigid expectations forced both athletes to hide emotions, manage fear and uncertainty, and carefully balance loyalty to their teams with growing personal attachment. Over time, repeated interactions challenged their earlier assumptions about themselves and each other. By confronting these internal struggles and external pressures, their rivalry gradually transformed into mutual understanding, trust, and a deeper personal connection that reshaped their lives beyond the sport. Which psychological strategy would Alex and Dmitri MOST LIKELY use to reduce cognitive dissonance when their personal feelings conflicted with their public roles?