The telephone helpline as social support

This study examines calls to Israel's largest and most utilized helpline, ERAN. Analysis of a sample of calls (N = 10,717) shows that ERAN's helpline is used more often by single than by married persons; that singles are more likely to be seeking social support; and that single callers tend to repeat their calls. Most of the single callers present emotional problems, while married persons divide their calls between emotional and family problems. The needs of single persons for social support and the role of helplines for this population are discussed.