Principal factor-varimax factor analyses of the Symptom Rating Scale (SRS) were performed at 13 timepoints over a 4-yr period, both in and out of the hospital, on pooled samples of predominantly chronic schizophrenic patients from 12 VA hospitals (N = 329-1274). 5 symptom factors were found: Uncooperative, Depression-Anxiety, Paranoid Hostility, Deteriorated Thinking, and Unmotivated. The high degree of factor similarity found over time, place (hospital or community), and rater (psychologist or social worker) makes longitudinal comparisons meaningful and makes it possible to use the Admission SRS analysis (N = 1274) as a basis for factor scoring throughout. The findings argue for the robustness of rated psychiatric symptom dimensions over changes in time and setting of the rating and in profession of the rater. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)