Two handing a weapon - what's the benefit?

[Enigmabrand]

In Dark Souls, I know two handing a weapon would add 50% to your strength so that the scaling on the weapon would increase the damage.

I use a staff and I'm wondering what two-handing it does. First off, I know that it allows me to block with the staff. But I'm wondering if it increases the scaling for any of the stats.

Likewise, if you two hand a giant hammer, does it increase the damage output?

[Enfo]

It does the same thing.

[BuffySlayer]

it increase the attack.

i only use 2 hands atm. you can block with it too.

[Groen90]

I thought the main point in 2 handing a weapon was not the increased damage, but the change in moveset! Although more damage is always nice...

[BuffySlayer]

i tested with my hammer

holding 1 hand with shield ( strong attack ) damage output is 180
holding 2 hands (strong attack ) damage output is 249

[Enigmabrand]

Does anyone know if it's a straight damage increase or if it increases your stat?

@Enfo, does it specifically increase the stat that the weapon scales with or does it only increase strength?