Developmental regulation theories claim that continuing to pursue a goal when it becomes
blocked contributes to poorer wellbeing. This consequence is expected to lead to the use of
self-regulation strategies in the form of higher disengagement from the goal and higher
reengagement in other meaningful goals. The use of these strategies is expected to lead to
better wellbeing. A systematic-review and meta-analyses were conducted to test the major
predictions of developmental regulation theories for blocked parenthood goal and to investigate
possible moderator variables, particularly type and degree of blockage. A total of eight
meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Moderation was tested with
subgroup analysis. After searching eight databases, 4977 potential relevant manuscripts
were identified but only six met inclusion criteria. From the eight meta-analyses conducted,
only two were significant. In line with prediction, higher goal blockage was related to higher
negative mood and reengagement in other life goals was associated to higher positive
mood (p < .001). From a total of eight subgroup analyses performed, results showed that
disengaging had a positive impact on wellbeing for people experiencing an unanticipated
type of blockage (i.e., infertility) but not for those with an anticipated one (i.e., postponing
parenthood; X2 = 4.867, p = .03). From the total of twelve sensitivity analyses performed
only one suggested that results might differ. The association between disengagement and
mood varied according to study quality. When only average studies were included this association
was negative, although non-significant. The evidence obtained did not fully support
developmental regulation theories for the pursuit of parenthood goal, but primary research
had too many methodological limitations to reach firm conclusions. Future studies aimed at
investigating blocked parenthood goal are required to evaluate the value of developmental
regulation theories
