There is some evidence that people higher in certain empathy-related traits are somewhat more responsive to hypnosis, but the relationship is modest, trait-specific, and not determinative. Empathy is only one of several factors that influence hypnotizability.
What the research shows (summary)
Hypnotizability is a relatively stable individual difference measured with standardized scales (e.g., Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Harvard Group Scale). It predicts how responsive a person is to hypnotic suggestions.
Studies find small-to-moderate positive correlations between hypnotizability and certain empathy-related traits, particularly:
Perspective-taking and tendency to become absorbed in others’ experiences (sometimes measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index subscales: Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern, and the Tellegen Absorption Scale).
Trait absorption and imaginative involvement (people who can become deeply absorbed in experiences are more hypnotizable and may also score higher on some empathy measures).
Other empathy components—especially cognitive empathy (ability to reason about others’ mental states) versus affective empathy (sharing others’ emotions)—show different patterns. Affective sharing is less consistently linked to hypnotizability than absorption/imaginal involvement.
Meta-analyses and reviews indicate the correlations are modest (not huge). Hypnotizability is influenced by many other factors too: motivation, expectancies/placebo effects, rapport with the hypnotist, attentional control, openness to experience, and situational factors.
Why the link might exist (mechanisms)
Absorption/imaginative capacity: People who can become deeply absorbed or imaginatively involved can more fully enter the hypnotic state and accept suggestions; such people may also experience stronger empathic immersion.
Social-cognitive factors: Empathic people may be more attuned to social cues and more willing to cooperate with the hypnotist, increasing responsiveness.
Emotional contagion vs. controlled perspective-taking: Emotional contagion (automatic sharing) could facilitate some emotional suggestions; deliberate perspective-taking may help follow role-guided suggestions.
Limitations and caveats
Correlation ≠ causation: Being empathetic doesn’t cause high hypnotizability; shared underlying traits (absorption, openness) likely contribute to both.
Individual differences matter: High empathy does not guarantee high hypnotizability, and many highly hypnotizable people do not score unusually high on empathy.
Measurement variability: Different empathy scales measure different constructs; results depend on which measure is used.
Clinical vs. laboratory hypnosis: Effects can differ in therapeutic settings where rapport and motivation are stronger.
Practical implications
If you’re a therapist: Empathic rapport can help build trust and expectancy, which supports hypnotic work—but it’s not a substitute for assessing hypnotizability and tailoring suggestions.
If you’re curious about your own hypnotizability: Try a standardized hypnotizability screening (administered by a trained clinician) or informal self-tests; consider your tendency for absorption and imaginative involvement along with empathy.