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If a PC gains the constrict ability, is the STR bonus to damage 1 or 1.5 times the STR modifier?
Herolabs gives me a 1.5 x STR bonus but a quick scan of the various Bestiaries shows that constrict bonus damage is sometimes calculated at 1x and at other times at 1.5x.
A creature with this special attack can crush an opponent, dealing bludgeoning damage, when it makes a successful grapple check (in addition to any other effects caused by a successful check, including additional damage). The amount of damage is given in the creature's entry and is typically equal to the amount of damage caused by the creature's melee attack.
This would lead me to believe that 1 x STR bonus is correct, but:
"Off-hand attacks receive only half the character's Strength bonus, while two-handed attacks receive 1–1/2 times the Strength bonus."
Grappling is assumed to be a two-handed attack as there is penalty for grappling with one limb.
"Humanoid creatures without two free hands attempting to grapple a foe take a -4 penalty on the combat maneuver roll."
Constrict damage is a result of a successful Grapple check and a Grapple is (normally) executed with both hands, therefore it seems to follow you get 1.5 x STR Bonus to damage on a constrict.
Thoughts?
I don't know that 'grappling' is specifically a two handed attack. There are numerous creatues that don't have hands and still perform grapples. The rules state you take a penalty for not using two hands, which isn't the same as 'is a two handed attack' by any means. I would actually fall back on damage being based off full STR unless an ability spelled out otherwise. As it is the damage from a grapple check is listed as an unarmed attack, natural attack, light or one handed weapon. So the ability of Constrict should be based off of that RAW unless it says different.
As for the program I'd honestly email the support and see if they have some sort of ruling for the 1.5 STR damage.
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It says that the damage is usually equal to that which a creature would do with a melee attack, therefor we're doing normal damage to the creature you are constricting.
Since the rules on grapple do not specify handedness, and only go so far as to determine that there is a penalty for attempting a grapple with a single hand, I'd argue you still only deal normal str damage on a grapple.
Yes, it is implied that you grapple with two hands, or else the exception on performing the maneuver with one hand wouldn't exist. But it doesn't say that the damage dealt is based on how many hands you grabbed with. It just says that you deal damage equal to your unarmed strike damage, natural weapon damage, light, one-handed weapon, or armor spikes. Damage with all of these weapons deals 1x str unless one of them has some feature enhancing it (an eidolons bite is a natural weapon but if the evolution is taken twice it deals 1.5x str damage, therefor if you grapple a target, have constrict and have taken the bite evolution twice and bite the target with your standard action for the turn, you will deal 1.5x str damage on your bite instead of 1x str damage. Normal creatures would bite for 1x str damage).
Also, almost every single constrict ability states any special features it has. Therefor, your question is rather arbitrary and seems like more of a hypothetical.
The real answer comes from inquiring how said PC gets the constrict ability. Most magic items that grant it (vests, etc), spells, and extraordinary, supernatural or spell like abilities all detail the damage dealt with the constrict feature given as far as I know.
Unless otherwise noted, you can assume you constrict for 1x str damage. I'm sure there is a constrict ability that specifies that you deal 1.5x damage when you constrict.
While we are on the topic, constrict is a beastly power to the extreme. It happens every time you make a grapple check, either to initiate or maintain a grapple. AFTER you make this check, you can also pin, damage, move, or end the grapple. So don't forget that once you grab and constrict, you still can use a natural attack to deal damage, or perform any of the other features in the grapple description. Damage 2x a turn is pretty nasty and once you get the +5 bonus on the grapple, it's over. :)